Residents in Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia, climbed over fallen logs and walked for nearly an hour to reach relief centres as deadly floods and landslides continued to devastate Sumatra. Volunteers distributed clean clothing and tanker-delivered drinking water to displaced families.
Government data revealed that cyclone-driven flooding across three Indonesian provinces has killed 916 people, while 274 remain missing. The same storm system also caused around 200 deaths in southern Thailand and Malaysia, creating a widespread regional disaster.
Read more : Sumatra under siege: Floods kill 900, starvation threatens the living
Survivors described destroyed roads, overturned vehicles and limited access to food and drinking water. Students at an Islamic boarding school reportedly boiled floodwater to survive after being cut off for a week, urging officials to visit the area immediately.
Meanwhile, local authorities requested the national government to declare a state of emergency to release additional funding for rescue and recovery. However, President Prabowo Subianto recently said current disaster arrangements were adequate, despite rising pressure.
Read more : Surviving the floods: Indonesians struggle for basic supplies
Environmental groups claimed deforestation linked to logging and mining worsened the disaster’s impact. Indonesia’s environment ministry has temporarily halted operations of several companies suspected of clearing land around flood-hit zones, pending environmental audits and investigations.
Aerial surveys showed widespread land clearing in Batang Toru, raising concerns about illegal activity. Multiple companies, including major energy, mining and agricultural groups, have been identified for review as Indonesia seeks accountability and long-term solutions.