Torrential rains have unleashed chaos in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province, triggering devastating floods and landslides that killed at least 28 people and left four missing, local authorities confirmed Sunday. Rescue teams are racing against time to clear debris and locate survivors.
'We’re focusing on search efforts while coordinating evacuation for affected families,' said Abdul Malik, head of the provincial rescue team. Over 80 homes and 16 bridges were damaged as muddy waters swept through Tanah Datar regency, disrupting entire communities.
Indonesia’s disaster agency (BNPB) reported that heavy machinery has been deployed to clear roads blocked by landslides. The disaster—linked to seasonal monsoon patterns—highlights growing climate-related risks in vulnerable regions. No warnings were issued before the floods struck late Saturday.
West Sumatra, a popular tourist destination known for its lush landscapes, now faces a long recovery. With extreme weather events intensifying globally, this tragedy underscores the urgent need for resilient infrastructure. Stay tuned for updates.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com