Floods sweep away homes in Indonesia, at least 84 dead

Heavy rain causes severe floods and landslides on Indonesia's Sumatra island this week, leaving at least 84 dead and dozens missing.

"As of this morning, 62 people had died and 95 were injured. Rescue teams are searching for at least 65 individuals," stated Ferry Walintukan, spokesperson for the North Sumatra provincial police, today. Sibolga city in the province was the hardest hit, with over 30 fatalities.

In the neighboring province of West Sumatra, at least 22 people died and 12 are missing, according to the local disaster response agency.

Dozens remain missing across the island. Ilham Wahab, a disaster relief official in western Sumatra, expressed concern that the death toll could increase following a bridge collapse and continuous rain on 27/11.

Social media videos depicted muddy floodwaters surging through neighborhoods, sweeping away homes and vehicles as residents screamed.

Floodwaters sweeping away homes in West Sumatra province on 27/11. Video: Weather Monitor

"The floods arrived at dawn and inundated homes," stated Radi, a resident of Padang, a major city in West Sumatra province.

Heavy rain also triggered floods and landslides in Aceh province, located at Sumatra island's northwestern tip, necessitating the evacuation of nearly 1,500 people.

The Indonesian disaster relief agency reported that rescue teams utilized helicopters to deliver aid and logistical support to the island's northern region. This area was severely affected, with landslides cutting off roads and damaging communication infrastructure.

Rescue workers wade through floodwaters, holding onto a rope to evacuate stranded residents in West Sumatra province on 27/11. Photo: AFP

Authorities in several provinces across the island stated that 12,000 people have been evacuated, with many more awaiting rescue.

Masinton Pasaribu, head of Tapanuli Tengah district in North Sumatra province, indicated that illegal logging and land clearing for palm oil plantations worsened the floods and landslides. Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil.

The Indonesian floods are part of a series of weather disasters striking Southeast Asia this week. Thailand and Malaysia are also grappling with severe flooding, which has resulted in dozens of deaths and displaced thousands.