Post by : Meena Ariff

Severe destruction has been reported across Aceh after Cyclone Senyar struck northern Sumatra in late November. At least 22 villages have been completely erased by massive floods and landslides, while many more communities remain cut off from outside help.

The worst damage occurred in Gayo Lues regency, where eight villages were swept away as floodwaters and landslides tore through the area. Aceh Tamiang regency was also badly affected, with five villages completely destroyed by the disaster.

Officials confirmed that entire communities disappeared under mud, debris, and floodwater. Several residents lost their lives, while many others were forced to flee to safer locations to survive.

More than a month after the cyclone, nearly 15,000 people in 30 villages across Aceh are still isolated. These villages are spread across multiple regencies, including Gayo Lues, Aceh Tamiang, Bener Meriah, North Aceh, East Aceh, and Southeast Aceh.

Due to collapsed roads and bridges, emergency teams are using helicopters and boats to deliver food, medicine, and relief supplies. Heavy machinery is being deployed to clear debris and reopen damaged routes, but progress remains slow.

Volunteers who reached some of the hardest-hit villages described heartbreaking conditions. In one remote village, residents had been surviving with very limited food supplies. The only structure left standing after a powerful flash flood was a mosque, surrounded by mud and ruins.

Many families fled to nearby hills during the disaster and are still living there in temporary shelters. Fear of another flood has stopped them from returning home.

Cyclone Senyar made landfall on November 25, bringing intense rainfall and strong winds that triggered widespread flooding and landslides across Aceh and neighboring provinces. Millions were affected, with over a thousand deaths reported, thousands injured, and many still missing.

Aceh remains the hardest-hit province, with massive damage to homes, roads, and bridges. Continued heavy rain during the rainy season has caused fresh flooding, further delaying rescue and rebuilding efforts.

#Global News