UPDATE: Desperate residents of flood-ravaged Sumatra have begun looting for essential food and water as the death toll from devastating floods rises to 303, with numbers expected to increase as recovery efforts continue. Authorities confirmed on Sunday that thousands have been displaced due to the catastrophic flooding that struck nearly a week ago.
The floods triggered landslides, damaged infrastructure, and severed communication lines, compounding an already dire situation. With rescue efforts hindered by bad weather and insufficient heavy equipment, aid has been slow to reach the hardest-hit areas, particularly the city of Sibolga and the Central Tapanuli district in North Sumatra.
Videos circulating on social media show residents scrambling through waist-deep floodwaters and past broken glass to reach convenience stores for food, medicine, and gas. North Sumatra Police reported incidents of looting beginning Saturday evening, with police spokesperson Ferry Walintukan stating, “The looting happened before logistical aid arrived… (Residents) didn’t know that aid would come and were worried they would starve.”
In response, authorities have deployed eleven helicopters from Jakarta to facilitate the distribution of emergency supplies to remote areas cut off by the floods. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya mentioned that “unpredictable weather often hampers aid operations,” making the situation even more critical. Footage released by the Cabinet Secretariat shows military helicopters air-dropping supplies to affected communities.
Survivors in the dusty village of North Tapanuli have been seen frantically signaling to the helicopters, desperate for assistance. Additionally, four navy ships have docked at a local port to bolster aid distribution efforts.
Indonesia, home to over 280 million people, is frequently impacted by natural disasters due to its geographical location along the “Ring of Fire,” an area known for its volcanic activity and seismic instability. Seasonal rains compound existing vulnerabilities, leading to a cycle of flooding and landslides.
As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, the urgent need for aid has never been clearer. Residents are calling for immediate support to prevent further tragedies as recovery operations continue in the aftermath of this disaster.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities work tirelessly to restore order and provide assistance to those in desperate need.
