The death toll from devastating floods in Indonesia has surpassed 500, with thousands still injured and nearly 500 missing, as rescue operations continue in hard-hit provinces. The disaster, caused by a rare cyclone over the Malacca Strait, has affected 1.4 million people across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, leaving many isolated and without essential supplies.
Residents describe floodwaters as “like a tsunami,” with roads washed away, bridges destroyed, and homes buried under mud and debris. Thousands struggle to access food, clean water, and communication networks, while aid workers face significant challenges reaching cut-off communities. Starlink devices and improvised efforts are being used in some areas to restore connectivity.
Criticism of the government’s disaster response is growing, with authorities accused of slow aid distribution due to bureaucratic delays. President Prabowo Subianto, visiting North Sumatra, acknowledged the challenges but vowed that the government was doing “everything we can” to overcome the difficulties.
The floods in Indonesia are part of a broader wave of severe weather affecting South and Southeast Asia. In the past week, monsoon rains, cyclones, and storms have killed over 1,100 people in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia. Experts suggest that climate change may be intensifying these storms, causing heavier rainfall and more destructive flooding events.
Keywords: Indonesia floods cyclone monsoon disaster aid climate change casualties
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