Indonesian rescuers are searching for at least 400 people missing after Cyclone Senyar caused disastrous floods and landslides on the island of Sumatra, with the government confirming the death toll has risen above 440. The rare tropical storm submerged thousands of buildings and swept away homes, creating a crisis that has overwhelmed aid networks.
Despite assistance being sent by air and sea, many villages remain completely cut off, leading to reports of looting as desperate residents steal supplies to survive. The National Disaster Management Agency said the missing are spread across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, with isolated cities like Central Tapanuli and Sibolga being key concerns. In Sungai Nyalo village, receding waters left a thick layer of mud, but no aid or road clearance had begun, with one resident noting most people refused to evacuate and abandon their homes. Police confirmed looting incidents occurred before aid arrived, driven by fears of starvation.
The disaster is part of a wider regional catastrophe affecting Southeast Asia. Thailand has reported at least 170 flood-related deaths, Malaysia has seen several deaths, and the Philippines has experienced both deadly floods and subsequent anti-corruption protests. The region's turmoil is further highlighted by Sri Lanka's recent weather disaster, which killed 193 people. Amid the response, tech billionaire Elon Musk has offered free Starlink services to support emergency communications in Indonesia.
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•Floods Submerge Sri Lanka's Capital as Cyclone Death Toll Approaches 200
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Source: BBC
