The death toll from catastrophic floods and landslides triggered by a cyclone on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island has risen to 336, authorities confirmed on Sunday, 30 November. Suharyanto, head of Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), provided the grim update, highlighting the severe impact of the rare tropical storm that formed in the Malacca Strait.
The storm has unleashed relentless rainfall over the past week, causing widespread devastation across parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Daily life in affected areas has been severely disrupted, with communities struggling to cope with the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and essential services.
According to the BNPB, nearly 80,000 people have been evacuated from three provinces in the westernmost part of Sumatra. Despite these large-scale evacuation efforts, hundreds of residents remain trapped, and at least 279 individuals are still reported missing. Rescue operations have been hampered by blocked roads and crippled communication systems, forcing teams to rely on helicopters to deliver food, water, and emergency supplies.
Authorities are prioritising the reopening of key transport routes. Suharyanto stated that efforts are underway to restore the main road connecting North Tapanuli to Sibolga in North Sumatra Province, which has been damaged by landslides. “Our teams are working tirelessly to clear debris and ensure access for relief operations,” he said.
Meanwhile, flooding in Thailand’s southern provinces along the Malacca Strait has also claimed lives. Thai government spokesperson Siripong Angkhasakulkiat reported that the death toll in Thailand has reached 162, with thousands of residents affected and many forced to leave their homes.
The humanitarian crisis across the region is severe, prompting international aid agencies to coordinate with local governments to provide emergency relief and medical support. Authorities have warned that more heavy rain is expected in the coming days, increasing the risk of further flooding and landslides.
A summary of the disaster’s impact is provided below:
| Country | Death Toll | Missing | Evacuated | Affected Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | 336 | 279 | 80,000 | Western Sumatra provinces |
| Thailand | 162 | N/A | Thousands | Southern provinces along Malacca Strait |
Rescue teams continue to battle challenging conditions to reach stranded residents, and authorities urge communities to stay alert and follow official guidance as recovery and relief operations continue.