At least 13 people have died this week after torrential rains triggered catastrophic flooding and landslides across Indonesia's North Sumatra province, displacing thousands and destroying critical infrastructure. 🚨
Emergency Response Underway
Local authorities confirmed nine fatalities in South Tapanuli and four in Central Tapanuli, with 37 injured and three still missing. Rescue teams are battling damaged roads and communication lines to reach isolated communities.
Week of Relentless Rain
Nonstop downpours from November 22-25 caused rivers to burst their banks, submerging neighborhoods in seven regencies. Landslides buried homes in mountainous areas, with videos on social media showing roads transformed into raging mudflows. 📹💔
Scale of Destruction
Over 1,000 homes and multiple schools have been damaged, forcing survivors into temporary shelters. Power outages and limited access to clean water are compounding the crisis as humanitarian aid begins arriving.
"This is the worst flooding we've seen in years," said BPBD North Sumatra official Sri Wahyuni Pancasilawati, noting climate patterns may be intensifying seasonal disasters.
