JAKARTA: The death toll from floods and landslides in North Sumatra, Indonesia, has risen to 19, with dozens still reported missing, officials said on Thursday. Extreme weather battered the province for several days, affecting multiple districts and triggering widespread destruction.
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National search and rescue agency official Emy Freezer confirmed that at least 24 people remained missing across six locations. Road access to the worst-hit areas has been cut off, and telecommunication and electricity services have been disrupted, complicating relief efforts.
Authorities are focusing on clearing debris to reach isolated communities and provide urgent assistance. Heavy rainfall in the neighbouring province of Aceh also caused floods and landslides, prompting the evacuation of nearly 1,500 residents. Electricity outages were reported in parts of Aceh after a transmission tower collapsed due to flash floods.
Torrential monsoon rains have set off destructive floods and landslides across Indonesia’s Sumatra island, killing at least 10 people and leaving dozens of others missing, according to local authorities https://t.co/oopvww1Y3I pic.twitter.com/k4elRVBNBU
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) November 26, 2025
The state-owned electricity company, Perusahaan Listrik Negara, has deployed teams to gradually restore power to affected areas. Meanwhile, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency warned that a cyclone named Senyar had formed and could bring more severe weather to the region in the coming days.
Indonesia’s annual monsoon season, typically between June and September, often triggers landslides, flash floods, and waterborne diseases. Experts say climate change has intensified storm patterns, leading to heavier rainfall, stronger winds, and longer periods of flooding.
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In related events, at least 38 people were killed this month in landslides caused by heavy rains in Central Java, with 13 more reported missing. Authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders to reduce casualties amid the worsening weather conditions.