Post by : Rameen Ariff

The death toll from the massive floods and landslides that struck Indonesia’s western island of Sumatra this week has climbed to 174, according to officials on Friday. Rescue teams are still searching for dozens of people who vanished when heavy rain triggered widespread destruction across the region.

The head of Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto, said that North Sumatra province recorded 116 deaths, while 42 people remain missing. He explained that emergency crews have been working around the clock to reach isolated areas, many of which remain difficult to access due to collapsed roads and thick mud.

Officials also confirmed additional casualties in nearby regions. Aceh province reported 35 deaths, while West Sumatra recorded 23 fatalities as strong currents and landslides swept through several towns and villages.

The severe flooding, caused by days of torrential rain, has left homes buried, roads destroyed, and thousands displaced. Families who survived the disaster are taking shelter in temporary camps as authorities continue relief operations. Food, clean water, and medical aid are being delivered to affected communities as rescue workers search for those still unaccounted for.

Local authorities have urged residents in high-risk areas to remain alert, as weather forecasts warn of continued rain in some parts of Sumatra. The government has deployed additional personnel and equipment to speed up evacuation and recovery efforts.

Indonesia, which often faces natural disasters due to its tropical climate and mountainous terrain, is once again dealing with one of its deadliest floods in recent years. As search operations continue, officials say the final number of victims may rise.

#Global News #Asia News #World News