Sumatra Floods Leave 776 Dead, Hundreds Missing, Millions Displaced
Jakarta. Deadly floods and landslides that struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in late November have left nearly 800 dead, hundreds missing, millions displaced, and caused widespread damage to infrastructure and public facilities.
According to the latest data from Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) as of Thursday, the death toll has reached 776, with 564 people still reported missing. The number of displaced residents has reached millions: 1.5 million in Aceh, 538,000 in North Sumatra, and 106,200 in West Sumatra. Another 2,600 residents have been injured in the hydrometeorological disaster.
Across 50 affected districts and municipalities, 10,400 homes have been damaged. The disaster also destroyed 354 public facilities, 132 houses of worship, nine health facilities, and 100 government and office buildings. In the education sector, 213 schools were damaged, while 295 bridges were affected, most of which remain impassable.
North Sumatra recorded the highest number of fatalities at 299, followed by Aceh with 277, and West Sumatra with 200. Heavy rainfall, widespread flooding, and dense riverside settlements contributed to the scale of destruction in these provinces.
At the district level, Agam in West Sumatra was hit hardest, with 147 deaths, as flash floods carrying wood and mud left many residents little time to escape. Aceh Utara in Aceh reported 112 deaths, with fast-moving floodwaters overwhelming communities along multiple rivers. Tapanuli Tengah in North Sumatra recorded 86 fatalities, where damaged bridges and blocked roads initially hampered rescue and relief operations.
Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, with BNPB, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), TNI-Polri, and local governments deploying joint teams to expedite emergency response. Authorities are also assessing environmental damage that may have worsened the disaster’s impact.
