Indonesia Seeks 400 Missing in Deadly Sumatra Floods, Death Toll Exceeds 440
November 30, 2025
Rescuers in Indonesia are searching for at least 400 people reported missing after deadly floods hit the island of Sumatra. The government says more than 440 people have died since cyclonic rains caused massive flooding and landslides nearly a week ago. Aid has been flown and shipped to many affected areas, but some villages still await help. Reports say some people have begun stealing food and water out of desperation. Malaysia has sent medical supplies to Aceh, one of the hardest-hit provinces. This disaster follows heavy rains across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. An unusually strong tropical storm, Cyclone Senyar, triggered catastrophic landslides, sweeping away homes and submerging thousands of buildings. The National Disaster Management Agency named Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra as areas with missing people. Agency head Suharyanto told AFP, "There are two cities that require full attention due to being isolated, namely Central Tapanuli and Sibolga." He added that ships were expected in Sibolga on Monday. In Sungai Nyalo village near Padang, floodwaters have mostly receded, leaving homes and crops under thick gray mud. Residents say roads remain uncleared and no outside aid has arrived. Villager Idris said, "Most villagers chose to stay; they didn't want to leave their houses behind." Police have reported looting on Sumatra as people feared starvation before aid arrived. Police spokesperson Ferry Walintukan said, "The looting happened before logistical aid arrived. [Residents] didn't know that aid would come and were worried they would starve." In a show of support, tech billionaire Elon Musk pledged free Starlink internet to aid communications in the emergency. Beyond Indonesia, severe floods have caused at least 170 deaths in Thailand and multiple fatalities in Malaysia. The Philippines saw large protests against corruption after floods killed more than 200 people this month. Sri Lanka also suffered, with at least 193 dead due to floods and mudslides during one of its worst weather crises in years.
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Tags:
Indonesia Floods
Sumatra Landslides
Cyclone Senyar
Missing People
Rescue operations
Humanitarian aid
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