Putin Condolences To The Great Floods In Sumatra That Killed Hundreds Of People

JAKARTA - Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences for the major flood disaster in the northern region of Sumatra which killed hundreds of lives and caused major damage at various points.

"Receive deep condolences regarding the loss of life and large-scale damage caused by flooding in the northern part of the island of Sumatra," President Putin said in a statement of condolences to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, quoted by Antara, Sunday, November 30.

In a written statement from the Russian Presidential Office via the Russian Embassy in Jakarta, it was confirmed by Sunday that Putin expressed his condolences with the people who lost their families and relatives in the natural disaster that occurred.

The government and the people of Russia also hope that the areas affected by the disaster will recover soon, and the people can return to life normally, safely, and prosperously.

A number of cities and districts in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra Provinces since Tuesday (25/11) have been hit by flash floods and landslides which resulted in hundreds of casualties and cut off access to transportation, electricity, and communication channels.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported as of Saturday (29/11) that the number of fatalities in three provinces affected by flash floods and landslides reached 303 people, then 279 people were declared missing, and 18 people were injured.

Of that number, 166 people who died were in North Sumatra, 90 people in West Sumatra, and 47 people in Aceh. Meanwhile, 133 people in North Sumatra are still missing, in West Sumatra 85 people have been declared missing, and 51 people have been declared missing in Aceh.

As of Saturday, a total of 11 helicopters belonging to the TNI and Basarnas were deployed to transport aid to disaster-affected locations. Meanwhile, six warships (KRI) were also deployed to assist evacuation and delivery of aid.