Latest Update on Sumatra Floods and Landslides: 442 Dead, Thousands Still Isolated || Stay In News
On Monday morning (December 1), President Prabowo traveled to Sumatra to directly inspect the areas affected by the floods and landslides.
Updated Casualty Report
The death toll from the flooding and landslides in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh has risen to 442 people, according to the latest update from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) on Sunday evening (Nov 30).
“Based on preliminary data, the total number of confirmed fatalities has reached 442, while 402 individuals are still reported missing,” said BNPB Chief Suharyanto during a press briefing at the National Support Post, Silangit Airport, North Tapanuli.
He added that joint teams consisting of BNPB, the military, police, Basarnas, ministries, and local governments are continuing efforts to accelerate search and rescue operations, distribute logistics, and reopen access to isolated areas.
Access Roads Still Severed
Suharyanto explained that several routes in North Sumatra remain inaccessible, including the road connecting Tapanuli to Sibolga. Landslides stretching nearly 50 kilometers have blocked the route.
Joint emergency teams are working intensively to clear the debris, though full access is estimated to be restored in three to four days.
In Aceh, districts requiring special attention include Aceh Tamiang, Bener Meriah, and Central Aceh—areas that face severe access issues similar to Tapanuli and Sibolga.
Meanwhile, regions hit hard in West Sumatra remain reachable by land, including Padang City, Padang Pariaman, Solok, Agam, Tanah Datar, and Padang Panjang.
Thousands of Logs Cover Parkit Beach
A viral video captured piles of driftwood and logs covering Parkit Beach in Padang, West Sumatra, following destructive flash floods.
Posted by Instagram account @antaranewscom, the video taken on Friday (Nov 28) shows the river mouth and shoreline overwhelmed by logs and debris. The seawater has also turned murky brown.
According to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, investigations are underway to determine the origin of the logs. Possible sources include decayed trees, fallen timber, natural river materials, remnants of legal logging zones, misuse of land permits, and potential illegal logging.
“We are not dismissing the possibility of illegal activities. Our explanation aims to clarify all potential sources. Any proven illegal logging will be processed according to the law,” said Dwi Januanto Nugroho, Director General of Law Enforcement (Gakkum).
Looting at Bulog Warehouse and Local Minimarkets
Dozens of flood victims looted the Bulog Sarudik Warehouse in Sibolga, North Sumatra, on Saturday (Nov 29) after aid distribution was delayed due to severely isolated conditions.
Videos show residents rushing into the storage facility and taking sacks of rice and cooking oil. Similar incidents also occurred in Central Tapanuli, where residents forcibly entered minimarkets due to a lack of aid.
North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution responded by saying that the government understands the desperate conditions.
“Many residents have gone days without food. We cannot blame the people entirely—we must focus on delivering aid immediately,” he said on Sunday.
Evacuees Facing Hunger Crisis
Communities in Central Aceh and Bener Meriah are experiencing critical shortages of food and supplies after a week of isolation. The only access into these regions is by air due to landslide blockages.
In Bener Meriah, more than 10,000 displaced residents are at risk of starvation. Similar life-threatening shortages are occurring in parts of North Aceh, Aceh Tamiang, Gayo Lues, and Aceh Singkil.
Bener Meriah Regent Tagore Abubakar warned that current food stocks will only last two more days.
“If no supplies arrive within the next two days, the remaining food will not sustain our population,” he stated.
Aceh Tengah Regent Haili Yoga echoed the urgent plea, noting that their requests for assistance from the provincial and national governments have gone unanswered.
“Isolated areas are running out of supplies, and our fuel stock is completely depleted. This severely limits rescue operations,” he said.