Update On Wednesday Aceh Disaster Sumatra: 967 Died, 262 People Still Missing

Search for disaster victims in the North Sumatra region (doc BNPB)

JAKARTA - The number of fatalities due to flash floods and landslides that hit three provinces in Sumatra continues to grow. The latest data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) on Wednesday, December 10 morning stated that 967 people had died and 262 people were still missing.

In addition to the victims who died and disappeared, BNPB noted that at least 5,000 residents were injured due to floods, landslide material, and the swift flow of water that destroyed settlements and public facilities.

The major disasters that hit 52 regencies/cities also caused massive infrastructure damage. A total of 157,900 houses were damaged, ranging from minor to severe damage.

In addition, Sumatra flash floods and landslides also damaged 1,200 public facilities, 215 health facilities, 584 educational buildings, 423 houses of worship, 287 office buildings, and 498 bridges that were broken or no longer functioning.

Aceh became the province with the highest number of victims who died, namely 391 people, while 31 others were still missing. Many areas in the province are isolated due to broken bridges and land access that cannot be passed.

In North Sumatra, BNPB reported 338 deaths and 138 missing people. Flash floods that occurred suddenly in a number of areas made the evacuation process for residents difficult. West Sumatra also experienced a significant impact with 238 deaths and 93 missing people.

When viewed based on regencies/cities, Agam Regency in West Sumatra recorded the highest number of deaths, namely 181 people. Followed by North Aceh with 138 deaths, and Central Tapanuli 110 deaths.

The number of victims of the Sumatra flash floods and landslides is estimated to be able to increase as the search process continues to be carried out by the joint SAR team, TNI/Polri, volunteers, and the community.