At least 225 people have died, and dozens remain unaccounted for following devastating floods and landslides in Indonesia’s Sumatra island. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported these figures on March 23, 2024, as rescue teams continue their efforts to reach isolated communities affected by the extreme weather.
The northern province of North Sumatra has suffered the greatest impact, with 116 deaths and 42 individuals reported missing. Torrential rains triggered landslides, obstructing rural roads and disrupting vital transport routes. BNPB chief Suharyanto stated, “There are still points we have not been able to enter. The data will continue to change.”
In the northernmost province of Aceh, authorities confirmed 35 deaths, with 25 people still missing and eight others injured. The coastal city of Lhokseumawe, Aceh’s second-largest city, has become a refuge for more than 4,800 households displaced by the floods. Nearly 100 shelters have been established to accommodate the evacuees.
Flooding has severely impacted the main transport corridor along Aceh’s eastern coast, notably damaging a crucial bridge that connects the provincial capital, Banda Aceh, to southern districts. In West Sumatra, the disaster agency reported 74 deaths, 12 missing, and four injuries, with over 3,900 households seeking refuge in temporary facilities.
Forecasts indicate continued heavy rainfall in the region, prompting the government to initiate cloud-seeding flights aimed at mitigating the risk of additional landslides and flash floods. Access to some areas remains limited, with debris obstructing rescue efforts.
Indonesia is no stranger to intense monsoon rains, and experts warn that the frequency of extreme weather events is increasing due to rising global temperatures. As rescue operations unfold, the full extent of the disaster is still being assessed, with authorities emphasizing the importance of continued support for affected communities. The BNPB’s ongoing work reflects the urgency of the situation, as they strive to restore normalcy in the wake of these devastating events.
