Desperate Search for Missing as Indonesia Faces Flood Devastation

Wed Dec 03 2025 05:41:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of Cyclone Senyar, Indonesia is grappling with severe flooding and rising casualties, as rescuers search for hundreds reported missing amid widespread devastation.

Rescue operations are underway in Indonesia where at least 400 individuals remain unaccounted for following catastrophic flooding caused by Cyclone Senyar. The death toll has surpassed 440, with many feared buried under landslides. The national disaster agency is focusing on the isolated regions of Aceh and Sumatra, while tension grows amid reports of food theft and civil unrest as communities await aid.

Rescuers in Indonesia are searching for at least 400 people who have been reported missing, many believed to be buried under landslides, after cyclonic rains caused disastrous flooding nearly a week ago.

The death toll on the island of Sumatra has risen to more than 440, the government says.

Aid has been sent into affected areas by air and by sea, but some villages have yet to receive anything, and there are reports of people stealing food and water to survive.

Torrential rain and storms have devastated parts of Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, affecting millions of people and leaving more than 900 dead across the region this month.

An exceptionally rare tropical storm, named Cyclone Senyar, caused catastrophic landslides and flooding in Indonesia, with homes swept away and thousands of buildings submerged.

People are missing in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra, the National Disaster Management Agency said.

There are two cities that require full attention due to being isolated, namely Central Tapanuli and Sibolga, agency head Suharyanto was quoted as saying by AFP news agency.

Some foreign aid has arrived, with Malaysia sending medical supplies to Aceh, one of the worst-hit provinces.

In Sungai Nyalo village, about 100km (62 miles) from West Sumatra's capital Padang, floodwaters had mostly receded on Sunday, leaving homes, vehicles and crops coated in thick grey mud, AFP reports.

The authorities had not yet begun clearing roads, residents said, and no outside assistance had arrived.

Most villagers chose to stay; they didn't want to leave their houses behind, residents reported. Police spokesperson highlighted incidents of looting happening before logistical aid arrived.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk announced he would provide free Starlink services to support communications during the emergency.

The region has seen widespread devastation. Thailand has reported at least 170 deaths related to flooding, while Sri Lanka has experienced over 330 casualties from floods and mudslides. In the Philippines, communities are grappling with government corruption amid demands for accountability for mismanaged disaster funds.