Rescuers search for hundreds missing in Indonesia floods
Aid has been dispatched to affected areas by air and sea, but many villages remain isolated, and there have been reports of people stealing food and water to survive. The National Disaster Management Agency said missing persons are primarily in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Agency head Suharyanto highlighted Central Tapanuli and Sibolga as priority locations, noting that ships were expected to reach Sibolga on Monday.
An exceptionally rare tropical storm, Cyclone Senyar, caused catastrophic landslides and flooding, sweeping away homes and submerging thousands of buildings. In Sungai Nyalo village, about 100 km from Padang, floodwaters have mostly receded, leaving homes, vehicles, and crops coated in thick grey mud. Roads have yet to be cleared, and outside assistance has not reached the area, leaving many villagers behind. Resident Idris, 55, said many chose to stay, unwilling to leave their homes behind.
Authorities also reported instances of looting in Sumatra, which police say occurred before aid arrived. Police spokesperson Ferry Walintukan stated that residents were unaware aid would come and feared starvation.
In a supportive development, tech billionaire Elon Musk announced he would provide free Starlink services to aid communications during the emergency.
The floods are part of a broader regional disaster affecting Southeast Asia and South Asia.
Thailand reported at least 170 deaths, Malaysia saw several deaths, Sri Lanka suffered over 330 fatalities from floods and mudslides, and the Philippines experienced deadly flooding that sparked protests against government corruption, with more than 200 deaths reported.
The torrential rains have largely subsided, but many areas, particularly in Sri Lanka and Indonesia, remain cut off, and recovery efforts are ongoing.
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