Heavy monsoon rains have unleashed destructive flash floods and triggered landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra island, leaving at least 10 people dead and many more missing, as rescue efforts continue across multiple districts.
Floodwaters from swollen rivers burst their banks after days of relentless rain, sending torrents of mud, rocks, uprooted trees and debris crashing into hillside villages. In many areas, homes, bridges and roads were destroyed or submerged — cutting off access to affected communities.
Rescue teams have been dispatched but face major challenges: blocked or destroyed roads, unstable terrain, and ongoing heavy rainfall are hampering efforts to reach isolated settlements. Several bodies have been recovered, while dozens remain unaccounted for.
Local authorities have set up emergency shelters and issued evacuation warnings for residents in vulnerable zones — especially those living near steep slopes or flood-prone areas — as rains persist and the risk of further landslides remains high.
This disaster underlines the vulnerability of many Indonesian communities to extreme weather, particularly during the monsoon season — a risk exacerbated by climate change, deforestation, and settlements in hazard-prone zones.
References
- “At least 10 people killed in Indonesia floods, landslides” — Al Jazeera Al Jazeera
- “At least 10 killed and six missing as flash floods, landslides hit Indonesian island of Sumatra” — Euronews euronews
- “At least 10 dead after flash floods in Indonesia’s Sumatra” — Reuters Reuters Connect
- “Landslides, flash floods on Indonesia’s Sumatra island leave at least 10 dead” — AP / ABC News ABC News+1
- “Landslides, flash floods on Indonesia’s Sumatra island leave at least 10 dead, 6 missing” — Indian Express The Indian Express
- “Rains trigger deadly landslides and floods in Indonesia” — The National thenational.com.pg
