The death toll from the devastating floods and landslides that have struck parts of Indonesia has risen sharply to 442, with hundreds more displaced or unaccounted for, according to the latest official figures.
The disaster, triggered by days of torrential rainfall, has left entire communities submerged, homes buried under mud, and critical infrastructure destroyed.
Local authorities describe the situation as one of the worst natural disasters to hit the region in recent years.
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In affected areas, survivors are struggling to access clean water, food, and medical aid. Rescue efforts continue, but widespread destruction and impassable roads have severely hampered emergency response teams.
Helicopters and boats are being deployed to reach remote villages, many of which have been cut off entirely.
Images emerging from the ground show homes flattened, crops destroyed, and families wading through waist-deep mud in search of supplies. Makeshift shelters have been set up, but overcrowding and poor sanitation have raised fears of disease outbreaks.
The Indonesian government has declared a state of emergency in the most affected provinces and has called for international assistance to support ongoing humanitarian efforts.
President Joko Widodo has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged swift government intervention to aid recovery and rebuild destroyed communities.
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The catastrophe has reignited discussions on climate resilience and disaster preparedness in Indonesia, a country highly vulnerable to natural calamities due to its geography and changing weather patterns.
Relief agencies and volunteers continue to work tirelessly as the nation mourns and braces for possible further rainfall in the coming days. Authorities are urging all citizens in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert.
— Source: Al Jazeera