The floods in northwestern Sumatra have killed 990 people and left more than 220 missing, officials report. Survivors in Aceh face shortages, thick mud and growing anger at what they describe as a slow and inadequate government response. Authorities say the emergency response will be extended while urgent medical supplies are sought and reconstruction costs are estimated at 51.82 trillion rupiah (about $3.1 billion). Continued rain could worsen the humanitarian situation.
Death Toll Nears 1,000 After Devastating Sumatra Floods; Relief Efforts Draw Criticism
An aerial view shows vast remains of uprooted trees at the Darul Mukhlisin Islamic boarding school and mosque in the aftermath of flash floods at Aceh Tamiang (Aditya Aji)(Aditya Aji/AFP/AFP)
The death toll from catastrophic floods in northwestern Sumatra climbed to 990 by late Thursday, officials said, while more than 220 people remain missing. Survivors are contending with shortages, widespread mud damage and growing frustration over the pace of rescue and recovery operations.
Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for Indonesia's disaster-mitigation agency, described the deluge as the worst of its kind on the island in recent years. The floods follow a month of tropical storms and monsoon rains that have battered parts of Southeast and South Asia, triggering landslides and flash floods from Sumatra's rainforests to Sri Lanka's highlands, with further rain forecast.
Local Anger Over Slow Relief
In Aceh province, the site of the 2004 tsunami, residents say rebuilding has been slow and assistance insufficient. 'People don't know who to rely on,' said 39-year-old Syahrul of Bireuen, where destruction was widespread. 'Many have lost hope... they can't rely on the government at all, given how badly this has been handled.'
In nearby Lhokseumawe, families are still battling thick mud that prevents recovery of homes and belongings. 'Nearly 15 days after the flood, all we've been able to do is clean the inside of our house,' said 36-year-old Sariyulis. 'The outside can't be cleaned because of the mud.' He said most victims complained about a lack of assistance from authorities and saw little visible progress.
Urgent Needs, Health Risks And Costs
Aceh governor Muzakir Munaf told reporters the current emergency response must be extended by two weeks to allow for rehabilitation and urgent infrastructure repairs. He warned that medicines and medical supplies are urgently needed as communities report skin infections, coughs, itching and other ailments linked to the flooding and contaminated water.
Officials estimate reconstruction could cost up to 51.82 trillion rupiah (about $3.1 billion). So far, the Indonesian government has declined to request international assistance, saying it can manage the response domestically, though critics say outside help may be needed if rains continue and humanitarian needs grow.
Relief groups caution that continued heavy rain will complicate recovery operations and could increase the number of people requiring shelter, medical care and basic supplies.
