Indonesia floods death toll rises to 442 as people hunt for food and water

"At least two areas of the country's worst-affected Sumatra island are still unreachable, as authorities struggle to deliver aid. The death toll from devastating floods and landslides in Indonesia has risen to 442, according to a tally published by the national disaster agency, as desperate people hunt for food and water. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) on Sunday said 402 others were still missing as authorities raced to reach parts of hardest-hit Sumatra island, where thousands of people were stranded without critical supplies."

"There are two cities that require full attention due to being isolated, namely Central Tapanuli and Sibolga, BNPB head Suharyanto said in a statement. The ships were expected in Sibolga on Monday, he said. The challenging weather conditions and the lack of heavy equipment also hampered rescue efforts. Aid has been slow to reach the hardest-hit city of Sibolga and the Central Tapanuli district in North Sumatra."

Devastating monsoon rains and landslides across Indonesia have caused widespread flooding, killing at least 442 people and leaving 402 missing. The hardest-hit areas are on Sumatra island, where at least two cities—Sibolga and Central Tapanuli—remain isolated and unreachable, leaving thousands stranded without critical supplies. Rescue and aid delivery have been hampered by damaged roads, downed communications, challenging weather, and lack of heavy equipment. Authorities have deployed two warships from Jakarta to deliver aid and expect them to arrive in Sibolga. Videos show people wading through waist-deep floodwaters and scrambling for food, medicine, and gas.

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