Sumatra Disaster Death Toll Rises to 929 as Search Efforts Intensify

 

 

Sumatra, Indonesia — The death toll from the catastrophic floods and landslides across Sumatra has climbed to 929 people as of Monday, December 8, 2025, with 274 individuals still unaccounted for, according to the latest official update. The scale of destruction has continued to widen as rescue teams reach previously inaccessible areas.

Days of relentless rainfall triggered widespread river overflows and massive hillside collapses in several provinces, including Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, and some remote villages were completely cut off after major bridges and main roads were swept away. More than 148,000 houses are reported damaged or destroyed, pushing thousands of families into emergency shelters.

Basarnas rescue teams, supported by local volunteers and military personnel, continue to conduct search operations under challenging conditions. Thick mud, unstable slopes, and lingering flash floods have slowed progress, with many locations reachable only by boat or helicopter. Rescuers warn that the number of confirmed victims may increase as operations expand deeper into rural areas that have not been assessed since the disaster began.

Government officials stated that recovery and reconstruction needs may exceed USD 3 billion, reflecting extensive damage to public infrastructure, irrigation systems, schools, health facilities, and agricultural land. The disaster has also disrupted electricity, clean water supply, and transportation systems, complicating humanitarian response efforts.

In several emergency shelters, displaced residents expressed concern over shortages of clean water, blankets, and medical supplies. Health workers have warned of a potential rise in respiratory infections and waterborne diseases due to overcrowded conditions and stagnant water in flood-affected zones.

Meteorological authorities continue to issue alerts for the region as heavy rains are expected to continue throughout the week. The government has urged communities living near riverbanks and at the base of hillsides to evacuate immediately if weather conditions worsen.