The death toll from devastating floods and landslides across three provinces on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island has risen to 442, according to the latest update from the National Disaster Management Agency on Sunday. The scale of the disaster continues to grow as rescue teams reach more remote areas and uncover additional victims.
BNPB Chief Suharyanto said at a press briefing that North Sumatra remains the hardest hit province. He reported that fatalities there have reached 217, while another 209 people are still missing. He explained that ongoing operations in South Tapanuli Regency uncovered more victims on Sunday, adding to the already significant casualty count.
Aceh Province has also suffered extensive losses, with 96 confirmed deaths and 75 people still unaccounted for. In West Sumatra, authorities reported 129 deaths and 118 missing, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster across multiple regions. Officials say difficult terrain, collapsed infrastructure and blocked access routes are adding to the challenges faced by rescue and recovery teams.
Heavy rainfall over recent days triggered the floods and landslides, sweeping away homes, damaging roads and isolating communities. Emergency crews, volunteers and local residents have been working around the clock to search for survivors, deliver aid and relocate affected families to temporary shelters. Authorities warn that the number of casualties could rise further as response teams reach areas that have been cut off since the disasters began.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Pratikno said President Prabowo Subianto has ordered all national resources to be mobilised to support the emergency response. According to him, the president instructed government agencies, humanitarian groups, and the military to coordinate closely and prioritise rapid deployment of personnel, equipment, and relief supplies. Pratikno emphasised that immediate rescue operations remain the top priority, followed by medical assistance and support for displaced families.
Local officials say thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes, with many taking shelter in schools, community centers and government buildings. Humanitarian teams are working to provide food, clean water, medical treatment and psychological support to survivors. Health experts have also raised concerns about the risk of disease outbreaks in temporary shelters due to overcrowding and limited sanitation facilities.
Meteorologists warn that additional rainfall is possible in the coming days, which could complicate rescue operations and heighten the risk of further landslides. Disaster authorities are encouraging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow instructions from local officials.
The Indonesian government has said it will continue to provide updates as recovery efforts progress. For now, communities across Sumatra continue to search for missing family members while coping with the aftermath of one of the region’s deadliest flood and landslide events in recent years.
