Residents on the flood-stricken Indonesian island of Sumatra are resorting to desperate measures as they hunt for food and water in the aftermath of devastating floods. This situation comes as Sri Lankan officials report that the death toll from floods and mudslides has reached 193, with many more still missing.
The floods in Indonesia struck nearly a week ago, claiming at least 303 lives and displacing thousands. The catastrophic weather events have resulted in landslides, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted communication channels. Recovery efforts are hampered by challenging conditions and the lack of heavy machinery, making it difficult for aid to reach the hardest-hit areas, particularly the city of Sibolga and the Central Tapanuli District.
Videos circulating on social media depict residents navigating through waist-deep floodwaters, scrambling past barricades and debris to access essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel. Reports from the North Sumatra Police indicate that looting incidents began on Saturday evening, as residents feared starvation before any aid could arrive. Police spokesperson Ferry Walintukan stated, “The looting happened before logistical aid arrived. [Residents] didn’t know that aid would come and were worried they would starve.”
As part of the response, the Indonesian government deployed eleven helicopters from Jakarta for ongoing logistics distribution to areas cut off by the floods. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya acknowledged that unpredictable weather often complicates these operations. Footage released by the Cabinet Secretariat shows military personnel airdropping supplies to those in need. In a poignant scene, survivors in a village in North Tapanuli were seen waving frantically at helicopters carrying much-needed aid.
In parallel, Sri Lanka is grappling with its own crisis. The death toll from floods and mudslides has risen to 193, with an additional 228 individuals reported missing. Approximately 148,000 people have been displaced from their homes and are currently housed in temporary shelters.
Severe weather conditions in Sri Lanka have persisted since last week, culminating in heavy rains that have inundated homes, agricultural land, and roads, particularly in the tea-growing central hill country. Authorities have issued warnings about Cyclone Ditwah, which is forecasted to move toward India’s southern coast.
The impacts of these natural disasters highlight the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management and support for affected communities. As both nations navigate these challenging situations, the focus remains on recovery and providing essential aid to those in distress.
