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After attending early morning prayers at a local mosque, one resident observed a disheartening scene: “The street was flooded.”
The Indonesian island of Sumatra has been reeling under the devastation caused by severe floods and landslides this week, which have claimed the lives of at least 111 people. Additionally, nearly 100 individuals are still unaccounted for, as authorities continue their search and rescue efforts.
The catastrophic weather conditions were triggered by Tropical Cyclone Senyar, which has wrought havoc across the region. The floods and landslides have resulted in at least 94 confirmed deaths, with rescue teams working tirelessly to locate those missing. This natural disaster underscores the vulnerability of the area to extreme weather events.
In the midst of this tragedy, North Sumatra police spokesperson Ferry Walintukan emphasized that the authorities are prioritizing “evacuation and providing assistance” to those affected. Their efforts are aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of residents as they navigate this challenging time.
‘Nothing I could do’
“The morgue has exceeded its capacity, so we need more,” Charn, a morgue official who only gave his first name, told AFP.
Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding across southern Thailand. Source: EPA / Royal Thai Army
There has been growing public criticism of the flooding response and two local officials have now been suspended over their alleged failures.
Shop owner Chayaphol Promkleng thought at first that his business would be spared because flooding was “only ankle-deep”.
In Malaysia, two people have been killed in flooding caused by heavy rain that left stretches of northern Perlis state under water.
‘Extreme weather’
Climate change has impacted storm patterns, including the duration and intensity of the season, leading to heavier rainfall, flash flooding and stronger wind gusts.
