Ruinous floods and landslides have killed more than 900 people on Sumatra, Indonesia, the disaster management agency said. Authorities warn that starvation could raise the toll further. Remote villages remain cut off, with food and supplies scarce for survivors.
A chain of tropical storms and heavy monsoon rains has battered Southeast and South Asia, causing floods and landslides from Sumatra to Sri Lanka. Across the region, more than 1,790 people have died in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam in the past week. The floods have swept away roads, houses, and farms, leaving many communities inaccessible.
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In Aceh and North Sumatra provinces, response teams struggle to reach isolated areas. Aceh governor Muzakir Manaf said many survivors face starvation rather than direct flood threats. Entire villages, particularly in Aceh Tamiang, have been washed away. Residents report cramped shelters, minimal food, and widespread fear of death from hunger.
Victims have expressed frustration with the government’s slow response. Calls to declare a national disaster remain unanswered, which would allow faster resource allocation and coordination. Analysts say Indonesia may avoid the declaration to limit scrutiny or reduce the appearance of needing foreign aid. Humanitarian groups warn that delays could worsen the crisis.
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As floodwaters recede, the full scale of destruction emerges. Mud-covered homes and destroyed infrastructure litter North Sumatra. Climate change, combined with logging and deforestation, has intensified the storms’ impact. Officials stress urgent action is needed to provide food, water, and shelter before more lives are lost.