Indonesia Floods and Landslides Death Toll Rises to 950
The death toll from the floods and landslides that hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra has risen to 950, with 5,000 injured, announced the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) on Monday.
Disaster Overview
The disaster, which affected three provinces in Sumatra, destroyed many homes, roads, and public infrastructure, leaving 274 people still missing, according to the agency. In total, more than 1,800 people have died in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam due to a series of tropical storms and monsoon rains that caused landslides and flash floods.
Reconstruction Efforts
The cost of reconstruction in the three provinces of Sumatra could reach 51.82 trillion rupiah (3.1 billion dollars), said Suharyanto, head of the BNPB agency, on Sunday evening. The province of Aceh, located at the western tip of Sumatra, which was already affected by the deadly 2004 tsunami, is the most affected region, with 386 deaths and hundreds of thousands of displaced people.
Humanitarian Crisis
"Aceh lacks everything, especially medical personnel. We lack doctors," said Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf on Sunday evening to journalists. "Medicines are essential. Basic necessities are also essential," he added.
Climate Change Impact
Much of Asia is currently experiencing the peak monsoon season, which is essential for rice cultivation but also often causes flooding. According to experts, climate change leads to more intense rainfall episodes because a warmer atmosphere contains more humidity, and higher temperatures in the oceans can amplify storms.
Deforestation Contribution
In Indonesia, environmentalists, experts, and even the government have highlighted the role of deforestation in the flash floods and landslides in Sumatra. The Indonesian government has announced plans to provide aid and support to the affected regions, with a focus on reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
