Jakarta, December 1 – The devastating floods and landslides in Indonesia have pushed the death toll to alarming heights. According to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the number of fatalities from recent floods and landslides across three provinces of Sumatra Island has now reached 442.
BNPB Chief Suharyanto said during a press briefing, “North Sumatra has witnessed the highest number of deaths. The death toll in North Sumatra has risen to 217, with 209 people still missing. During today’s operation in South Tapanuli Regency, several more victims were found. Aceh Province reported 96 deaths and 75 missing, while West Sumatra recorded 129 deaths and 118 missing.”
According to Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Pratikno, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered that all national resources be strengthened and emergency response be prioritised as quickly as possible.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reports that the major floods in southern areas have affected 3.54 million people, although water levels have receded in several regions.
Hat Yai city suffered the most damage. Heavy monsoon rains at the beginning of this week caused the heaviest rainfall, prompting the government to declare emergency in Songkhla Province to facilitate evacuation and rescue operations.
Earlier, Xinhua News Agency reported that Suharyanto held a meeting with BNPB units deployed in the three provinces, emphasising the need to intensify operations as soon as weather conditions improve in those areas.
He stated that the agency is prioritising three essential tasks: first, conducting search and rescue operations for people still missing; second, restoring disrupted communication access; and third, ensuring rapid delivery of relief materials to affected residents.
Meanwhile, local authorities have reported that the death toll from severe flooding in southern Thailand has also approached 150, as water levels begin to recede and rescue operations continue.
During a press briefing, government spokesperson Siripong Angkassakulkiat said that casualties have been reported in eight southern provinces, with Songkhla recording the highest number of 110 deaths.
– Daily Kiran/DSC
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