The confirmed death toll from devastating floods and landslides on the Indonesian island of Sumatra has reached 248, with authorities warning the number is expected to rise further.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Severe Conditions
Rescue teams are facing immense challenges reaching victims in the worst-affected regions, which include North Sumatra, West Sumatra's Agam district, and Aceh province. These areas have been largely cut off from help due to a combination of damaged roads, destroyed bridges, and downed communication lines.
The scale of the human cost is severe, with over 500 people injured and nearly 3,000 families displaced from their homes. In Agam district alone, 78 individuals remain missing, adding to the urgency of the search and rescue operation.
A State of Emergency Declared
The ongoing rescue mission is being severely hampered by a lack of heavy machinery, persistent heavy rainfall, and powerful water currents. These conditions are making it extremely difficult for emergency crews to reach potential survivors who may be buried under mud and rock.
In response to the escalating crisis, authorities have declared a state of emergency in Aceh province. Relief aircraft are now being deployed to deliver essential aid and supplies to the hardest-hit areas, navigating the challenging weather and landscape to provide critical support.
As of Saturday 29 November 2025, the situation remains critical, with the full extent of the damage and loss still being assessed.
