PADANG, Indonesia — Rescue operations in Sumatra, Indonesia have been severely hampered by damaged infrastructure, washed-out roads, and a shortage of heavy equipment after flash floods and landslides claimed at least 79 lives and left dozens missing, officials said Friday.

The extreme weather event, caused by Tropical Cyclone Senyar, continues to threaten the region, with meteorologists warning of prolonged heavy rains, strong winds, and high waves in Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Riau provinces.

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Devastation Across Sumatra

Monsoon rains triggered rivers to overflow in North Sumatra on Tuesday, sweeping through mountain villages, submerging more than 3,200 homes, and displacing around 3,000 families to government shelters. Rescue teams face obstacles as mudslides, blackouts, and disrupted communications make affected areas difficult to access.

In West Sumatra, flash floods inundated 15 cities and districts, leaving 22 dead and 10 missing. More than 17,000 homes were submerged, forcing 23,000 residents to seek temporary shelter. Key infrastructure, including roads, bridges, rice fields, and public facilities, suffered extensive damage.

Aceh province experienced similar devastation, with landslides burying villages in Central Aceh district, resulting in nine fatalities and two missing residents. Heavy rains and mudslides isolated affected communities, delaying the delivery of emergency aid.

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Cyclone Senyar’s Impact

According to Achadi Subarkah Raharjo, Director of Aviation Meteorology at Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency, Cyclone Senyar formed in the Strait of Malacca, fueling heavy rainfall and unstable atmospheric conditions across the region. Raharjo warned that extreme weather could persist as long as the cyclone remains active, extending flood and landslide risks in mountainous and low-lying areas.

The saturated terrain, combined with torrential rainfall, left communities highly vulnerable to additional landslides and flash floods.

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Emergency Response and Challenges

Authorities are struggling to deploy excavators, trucks, and other heavy equipment due to washed-out roads and obstructed mountain paths. Rescue operations in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh are ongoing, but delays caused by continuous rain and infrastructure damage complicate relief efforts.

Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, frequently experiences seasonal flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions and fertile floodplains. Local and national agencies continue to coordinate shelter, medical aid, and search operations for displaced residents.

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Humanitarian and Environmental Considerations

Thousands of residents have been forced into temporary shelters, while agriculture, livestock, and homes have suffered extensive losses. Relief organizations stress the urgency of providing food, water, and medical assistance to flood and landslide survivors while anticipating additional rainfall due to Cyclone Senyar.

Officials are monitoring the situation closely, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and adhere to evacuation orders to prevent further casualties.