In the past two weeks, continuous heavy rain on Indonesia's Sumatra Island has caused severe flooding and landslides. According to the latest data from Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency, the disaster has resulted in over 1,000 deaths, about 5,400 injuries, and more than 200 people missing.
Authorities indicated that search and rescue operations are still ongoing, and the number of casualties may continue to rise. However, the progress of aid in the disaster area has been slow, leading to growing dissatisfaction among victims, many of whom have complained that rescue efforts and supplies have been slow to arrive.
President Prabowo, who recently visited the disaster area for inspection, admitted that there have indeed been "minor delays" in the rescue operations and that the supply of clean water is posing challenges. He stated that with adjustments in relief deployment, the pace of aid has improved, and several areas previously cut off due to blocked transportation have now gradually regained access.
The Indonesian government estimates that a rare cyclone at the beginning of this month intensified the monsoon rains, which is the main reason the disaster has worsened. The floods and landslides have not only flattened a large number of buildings but have also caused power outages and blocked roads. Overall reconstruction costs are estimated at up to 3 billion USD. However, as of now, authorities have not indicated whether they will seek international assistance.