Over 900 people killed in devastating Indonesia floods

The recent floods in Indonesia have claimed over 900 lives, with hundreds more still unaccounted for. Last week, an unusual and intense cyclone over the Malacca Strait unleashed heavy rainfall and landslides, destroying more than 100,000 homes across parts of the country.

Rescue teams are continuing to reach isolated communities, often relying on airdrops to deliver essential supplies. This disaster is part of a series of severe weather events in Asia, where the combined fatalities in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam are approaching 2,000.

Impact in Aceh Tamiang

In Aceh Tamiang, one of the areas hit hardest, residents reported entire villages being swept away. In Lintang Bawah Village, survivors described clinging to the roofs of their homes to stay alive. Fitriana, a local resident, explained that families endured three days without food or water while sheltering with young children. She noted that about 90% of homes were destroyed, leaving 300 families homeless.

Another resident recounted being evacuated by boat when floodwaters submerged his home to the second floor, only to face further evacuation from a neighboring village. He described climbing to the upper level of a two-story house to escape rising waters.

Search and Relief Efforts

Authorities are still searching for victims amid waist-deep mud, according to regional officials. Many remote areas remain unreachable, leaving residents at risk of starvation despite the floodwaters receding. Indonesian media reported that inmates were released from a prison threatened by flooding, as no alternative shelter was available.

Access by land to Sibolga City and Central Tapanuli remains blocked, with aid reaching these locations only via air and sea. Reports have also emerged of looting at local supermarkets in some affected regions.

Author: Lucas Grant