Rescue teams in Indonesia are searching for at least 400 people reported missing following catastrophic flooding and landslides caused by Cyclone Senyar, which struck nearly a week ago. The government says the death toll on Sumatra has risen to over 440, with many feared buried under debris.
Aid has been delivered by air and sea, but several villages remain isolated, leaving residents to scavenge for food and water. Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have been hardest hit, with Central Tapanuli and Sibolga identified as priority areas due to their isolation. Ships are expected to reach Sibolga on Monday, officials said. Malaysia has sent medical supplies to Aceh, one of the worst-affected provinces.
In Sungai Nyalo village, about 100 km from West Sumatra’s capital Padang, floodwaters have largely receded, leaving homes, vehicles, and crops coated in thick mud. Residents remain stranded, with roads still blocked and external assistance yet to arrive. Authorities reported instances of looting, which occurred before aid reached the affected areas.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has offered free Starlink services to help maintain communications during the emergency.
The storm is part of a broader pattern of severe weather across Southeast Asia this month, leaving more than 900 people dead. Thailand has reported at least 170 fatalities, Malaysia several deaths, and Sri Lanka more than 330 from floods and landslides, with large parts of Colombo and central regions still submerged.
In the Philippines, heavy rains and flooding have intensified public outrage over government corruption. Tens of thousands protested in Manila, alleging that funds earmarked for flood control were misappropriated, leaving communities vulnerable. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has dismissed accusations of direct involvement but faces mounting political pressure, with family members and political rivals positioning themselves amid growing unrest.
The region now faces ongoing recovery challenges as authorities work to locate missing people, restore essential services, and prevent further humanitarian crises in the wake of unprecedented rainfall and widespread flooding.