Severe floods and landslides have claimed at least 174 lives in Indonesia this week, with 79 people still missing and thousands displaced, authorities said. The disaster follows heavy monsoon rains and tropical storms that have battered Sumatra and other parts of the region.

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Indonesia Hit Hard

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported:

• North Sumatra: 116 deaths, 42 people missing.
• Aceh Province: 35 deaths.
• West Sumatra: 23 deaths.

Many areas remain inaccessible due to floodwaters over 1 meter (3.3 ft) high and blocked roads from landslides. In northern Sumatra’s Batang Toru, seven unclaimed victims were buried in a mass grave, highlighting the scale of the disaster.

Officials continue to airlift aid and deploy rescue teams, while electricity and communication are being restored in affected regions.

Residents described harrowing escapes from rising floodwaters. Misniati, 53, recounted reaching chest-deep water while rushing home from a mosque to warn her husband.

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Regional Impact

The flooding has also severely affected neighboring countries:

• Thailand: At least 145 people dead across eight southern provinces, with over 3.5 million affected. In Hat Yai, floodwaters lingered in homes and streets even after rains stopped.
• Malaysia: Tropical storm Senyar killed 2 people and forced 30,000 evacuees into shelters. Authorities continue to monitor heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas threatening small boats. Malaysia has also evacuated over 1,450 nationals from flood-hit areas in Thailand.
• Sri Lanka: A cyclone caused at least 56 deaths, adding to the regional toll.

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Humanitarian Response

Authorities in affected countries are scrambling to deliver aid, restore power, and reopen transportation routes. International and local agencies have warned of ongoing risks, including further landslides, flooding, and disease outbreaks among displaced populations.

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Key Takeaways

• Indonesia records 174 deaths and 79 missing due to floods and landslides in Sumatra.
• Thousands of families displaced, with relief efforts ongoing.
• Severe flooding also affects Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.
• Heavy rainfall and tropical storms continue to threaten communities across Southeast Asia.