Hundreds of bodies have been recovered in Indonesia after heavy monsoon rains triggered severe flooding across several islands in the archipelago, pushing the rising death toll past 300, the Associated Press reported.
Why It Matters
More than 300 people have been killed, with the death toll expected to rise in coming days as rescue teams have been unable to reach some of the hardest hit regions due to severe landslides and flash flooding conditions.
Government officials reported that around 60,000 displaced families are staying in temporary government shelters.
The country, which sits atop the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonic zone marked by frequent and sometimes devastating earthquakes and volcanic activity, is no stranger to severe weather conditions.
What To Know
Authorities say rescue crews have been hampered by washed-out roads, landslides, and damaged bridges, limiting access for heavy equipment needed to clear mud, rocks and fallen trees as they search for bodies and reach devastated communities. Helicopters have been deployed to deliver aid to some hard-to-reach areas.
Heavy monsoon rains over the past week have triggered flash floods and landslides across Sumatra, Indonesia’s westernmost island, the hardest-hit area. The national disaster agency said the death toll has climbed to at least 300, with hundreds still missing and about 80,000 people evacuated to temporary shelters. Thousands of police have been deployed to assist in search and rescue missions.
In North Sumatra, the death toll exceeded 160 on Saturday, 90 people in West Sumatra, and 47 in Aceh, the head of the nation disaster management agency told the AP. Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf declared a state of emergency in the province until December 11.
Starlink, which is operated by SpaceX and provides high-speed internet, announced it is providing “free service to new and existing customers through the end of December 2025,” due to the severe flooding which has impacted power in parts of the country.
Nearby, devastating floods also hit Thailand and Malaysia, killing hundreds.
What People Are Saying
Starlink said in a November 28 X post: “For those affected by the severe flooding in Indonesia, Starlink is providing free service to new and existing customers through the end of December. We’re also working with the Indonesian government to rapidly deploy terminals and restore connectivity to the hardest-hit areas on Sumatra.”
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a Saturday X post: “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of precious lives and property caused by the devastating cyclone-induced rains, floods and landslides across parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims. We pray for the safe return of those still missing and for the swift recovery of all affected communities. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people, governments and leadership of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand in this hour of grief. We are ready to extend whatever help is possible to deal with this natural disaster.”
Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, per the AP, said: “We have to do many things soon, but conditions do not allow us to do so.”
What Happens Next
Weather improved on Saturday allowing more search and rescue crews to better survey the devastation.
Cyclone Ditwah swept across Sri Lanka this week, killing nearly 200 people, and is forecast to make landfall in southern India on Sunday, officials said.
