Trapped In Sumatra Floods, 3 Malaysian Elderly Tourists Successfully Evacuated By Indonesian Air Force

Illustration - The post-flood conditions in Aceh Tamiang, Wednesday (3/12/2025)./ANTARA PHOTO/Syifa Yulinnas.

Three elderly tourists from Malaysia who were previously reported missing in the midst of floods and landslides on the island of Sumatra were found safe in Aceh.

The three have now been evacuated to Medan and are being prepared to return to Malaysia.

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry through the Malaysian Consulate General in Medan - quoted from Antara - said that the three 63'64-year-old residents had not been able to be contacted since November 27 because they were trapped in isolated areas due to flooding.

They were evacuated using an Indonesian Air Force aircraft from Rembele Airport, Takengon, and arrived at Kualanamu Airport, Medan, on Wednesday night.

"Consulat are now arranging their return to Malaysia as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, one Malaysian resident who went missing during a landslide in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra, until the seventh day has not been found. The search continues along the river and landslide area near the Twin Bridge, Padang Panjang.

The Malaysian Consulate General in Medan also received a report regarding another 64-year-old citizen from Malaysia who could not be contacted during the disaster in Sumatra. Efforts to trace his whereabouts are currently being carried out with the Indonesian authorities.

The Consulate said it would continue to coordinate with local authorities and provide assistance to victims' families, including the identification process if needed.

The consulate also monitors the development of post-disaster recovery after the floods and landslides that hit Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra since November 27. Search and rescue operations (SAR) are still ongoing, with access to a number of areas that are slowly improving.

Several land routes have been reopened, allowing the distribution of aid such as food, medicines, and basic necessities to be carried out more quickly. The Indonesian government targets the repair of the main route to be completed by mid-December so that the recovery of the affected areas can be accelerated.

Kementerian Luar Negeri Malaysia mengimbau warganya di wilayah terdampak untuk tetap waspada, memantau informasi cuaca, dan mengikuti arahan otoritas Indonesia. Keluarga di Malaysia yang tidak dapat menghubungi kerabat mereka diminta menghubungi Konsulat Jenderal Malaysia di Medan melalui nomor [phone] yang beroperasi 24 jam, atau melalui surel [email protected]

The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs appealed to its citizens in the affected areas to remain vigilant, monitor weather information, and follow the direction of the Indonesian authorities. Families in Malaysia who were unable to contact their relatives were asked to contact the Malaysian Consulate General in Medan via number [phone] which operate 24 hours, or via email [email protected]