On Tuesday, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the death toll from recent floods and landslides across North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Aceh provinces has climbed to 712, with 507 people still missing.
These disasters have displaced about 1.1 million residents, many of whom are sheltering in temporary camps set up on higher ground. Rescue teams are struggling to reach hard-hit villages after floods swept away roads and destroyed bridges, prompting the deployment of helicopters and boats.
Telecommunications are slowly coming back online: the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs says more than 90 percent of transmission towers in the affected areas have resumed operations. Authorities are accelerating network restoration so displaced residents can reconnect with loved ones and access lifesaving information.
Speaking on Monday, President Prabowo Subianto said the government’s rescue and relief efforts are in full force. He emphasized that Indonesia must respond effectively to climate change and urged local governments to play a greater role in environmental protection and preparing for future extreme weather events.
As communities begin the long process of rebuilding roads, bridges and homes, experts say strengthening infrastructure resilience and rapid communication will be key to reducing the impact of future disasters—and to supporting the thousands of young travelers, digital nomads and global citizens who rely on reliable connectivity and safe passage through the region.
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Death toll from floods, landslides in Indonesia rises to 712
cgtn.com
