Post by : Rameen Ariff

Jakarta, Indonesia, November 30, 2025 – The death toll from devastating floods and landslides caused by cyclonic rains in Sumatra, Indonesia, has climbed to 303, the head of the country’s disaster mitigation agency announced on Saturday, up from the earlier reported 174 fatalities. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced, and hundreds remain stranded as rescue operations continue amid challenging conditions.

The extreme weather, fueled by a rare tropical storm forming in the Malacca Strait, has also impacted parts of Malaysia and southern Thailand. In Thailand, the latest official figures indicate that 162 people have died due to severe flooding, rising from 145, according to government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat.

In Sumatra, around 80,000 residents have been evacuated, yet at least 279 people remain missing across three provinces, said Suharyanto, head of Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency. Rescue teams are using helicopters to deliver essential supplies and aid to isolated areas in northern Sumatra, where landslides have cut off roads and destroyed communication networks.

“We are trying to open the route from North Tapanuli to Sibolga, which has been severely cut off for three days,” Suharyanto told journalists. Authorities are also attempting to clear road blockages caused by landslides, as people remain trapped and in urgent need of food and medical supplies. The military will be deployed further on Sunday to strengthen relief efforts.

The Central Tapanuli region has seen desperate residents attempting to ransack supplies, highlighting the intense strain and urgency faced by affected communities. Authorities continue to coordinate evacuation, aid distribution, and medical assistance under extremely challenging conditions.

These deadly floods and landslides in Indonesia and Thailand underscore the catastrophic impact of cyclones in Southeast Asia, leaving thousands displaced, infrastructure destroyed, and communities struggling to recover. Emergency responders have urged residents to remain vigilant as heavy rains are expected to continue across the region.

#Global News