Indonesia flood death toll reaches 67, 20 still missing

Photo : AFP

The death toll from the weekend flash floods and mudslides in Indonesia's West Sumatra province has climbed to 67, with 20 individuals still missing, according to authorities. This update follows the discovery of five additional bodies, raising the toll from the previously reported 62 casualties. The national disaster management agency, BNPB, disclosed that over 4,000 people have been evacuated to nearby buildings and temporary shelters as a result of the disaster.

The extent of the damage is substantial, with at least 521 houses, 31,985 hectares (79,037 acres) of land, including rice fields, 19 bridges, and most major roads severely affected. In response, the government is initiating plans to relocate survivors residing in uninhabitable houses and those situated in disaster-prone areas. Suharyanto, the head of BNPB, announced that the government will provide land and construct new houses for the affected individuals. The relocation process is expected to commence within six months, pending data collection on the number of survivors requiring relocation and the identification of safe relocation sites.

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The disaster unfolded on Saturday evening amid heavy rains, triggering flash floods, landslides, and cold lava flows—a viscous mixture of volcanic ash, rock debris, and water. The affected areas encompass three districts and one town, with Mount Marapi's cold lava flow exacerbating the situation. Mount Marapi, among Sumatra's most active volcanoes, has experienced multiple eruptions, with one occurring in December resulting in over 20 fatalities. The ongoing volcanic activity has compounded the challenges faced by residents in the region.

BNPB, in collaboration with law enforcement and military personnel, is intensifying search efforts for the 20 missing individuals and undertaking road clearance operations over the next seven days. Images shared by BNPB depict the aftermath of the disaster, illustrating roads strewn with debris, collapsed bridges, and damaged houses in Tanah Datar—one of the severely affected districts in West Sumatra. As recovery efforts continue, authorities remain focused on providing assistance to affected communities and mitigating further risks posed by the disaster.

May 16, 2024 4:33 p.m. 4531

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