Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia – December 6, 2025 – The death toll from catastrophic floods and landslides in Indonesia has surpassed 900, with hundreds more missing, as emergency crews race to provide aid amid widespread destruction. The disaster, triggered by extreme rainfall last week, has also affected neighboring countries including Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Indonesia Worst-Hit

Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency reported 908 confirmed deaths in the country, with 410 people still missing. Aceh Tamiang in Aceh province was the hardest-hit region, where entire villages were buried under mud and debris. More than 260,000 residents were forced to flee, leaving behind homes, farmland, and infrastructure.

“Six houses in my family were swept away. This wasn’t a flood — it was a tsunami from the hills. Many bodies are still buried under mud,” said survivor Ibrahim bin Usman, describing the chaos as floodwaters carrying logs swept through his village.

Relief efforts have been hampered by damaged roads, collapsed bridges, and broken transmission towers, leaving many areas accessible only by helicopter. Local authorities struggle to provide clean water, food, and shelter, the most urgent needs for survivors.

Regional Impact

• Sri Lanka: 486 confirmed dead, with nearly 900 people still unaccounted for in affected areas.
• Thailand: 185 deaths reported, with relief operations progressing faster than in Indonesia or Sri Lanka.
• Malaysia: 3 confirmed deaths, with localized damage primarily from flash floods.

Villages remain submerged in mud and debris, and survivors describe drinking contaminated water as wells and pipes were destroyed. Many children have fallen ill due to unsafe water and lack of sanitation.

Survivor Accounts

A 53-year-old widow, Mariana, recounted fleeing her village as floodwaters rose. “We drank floodwaters after letting it settle and boiling it. Children drank it too,” she said, describing the desperate conditions in a temporary shelter.

Clothing trader Joko Sofyan highlighted the urgent need for food, medicine, and clean water. “My house is just rubble now. We need assistance urgently,” he said.

Causes and Local Concerns

Residents blamed deforestation and alleged corruption for exacerbating the disaster. Hadi Akher, a local survivor, said, “These deadly floods happened because too many officials here are corrupt,” reflecting growing frustration with local governance and preparedness.

Relief Efforts

Trucks carrying aid supplies have started reaching affected areas in North Sumatra and Aceh Tamiang, but distribution is slowed by debris and damaged infrastructure. Emergency responders are prioritizing clean water, sanitation, and shelter, but the scale of the disaster continues to overwhelm resources.

“Why isn’t there a public kitchen? We have nothing left,” shouted Akher, highlighting the urgent humanitarian needs still unmet.

The disaster has left communities across Southeast Asia in a dire situation, with international aid agencies calling for immediate support to prevent further loss of life and disease outbreaks.