Sumatra Residents Face Uncertainty After Deadly Floods and Landslides
TAPANULI, SUMATRA – Residents of Sumatra are grappling with loss and uncertainty following devastating floods and landslides that have claimed dozens of lives, marking Indonesia’s worst natural disaster in eight years. As of today, the death toll continues to rise, with a meaningful concentration of fatalities in the Tapanuli region, where approximately a quarter of the deaths have occurred.
The disaster prompted a swift response from the disaster service, the army, and the police, according to the chairman of joint parliaments in Indonesia, who stated the situation is now “adequate.” However, many residents feel abandoned as they begin the arduous task of rebuilding their lives. Hamida Telaumbaunua, who lost her home and possessions, expressed her anxieties to Channel News Asia, stating, “It’s hard to think about what the future holds. I’m here now, and that’s OK. But laterโฆ I don’t know what will happen.”
A national emergency has not been declared despite calls from aid organizations, who argue it would expedite the release of funds to local governments for victim support. indonesia has only declared national emergencies following the 2004 tsunami and during the Covid-19 pandemic. A state of emergency was not issued even after the 2018 Sulawesi tsunami, which killed over 4,000 people.
Adding to the grief, long-standing concerns over deforestation in Sumatra are resurfacing. Reliwati Siregar, a resident of Tapanuli, told Reuters, “Evil hands have cut down the forests here. And now we are paying the price.” Environmental experts concur, asserting that the removal of forests has exacerbated the landslides by diminishing the soil’s natural stability. Tapanuli is identified as a region especially impacted by extensive deforestation.
The immediate focus remains on providing affected Sumatrans with essential aid – food, medicine, and shelter. Though,the disaster underscores a broader pattern of extreme weather events impacting the region. Sri Lanka has reported at least 165 deaths and hundreds missing due to recent high tides and landslides,while Thailand has seen at least 185 fatalities from floods and landslides. Vietnam and Malaysia have also experienced deadly flooding.
