At least 84 dead, dozens missing in Indonesia's Sumatra floods, landslides

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (KUNA) -- Indonesian authorities said Friday that floods and landslides in northern and western Sumatra have killed at least 84 people, left dozens missing, and, amid heavy rain and strong storms, disrupted relief efforts and cut off key roads.
The West Sumatra Disaster Management Agency reported at least 22 deaths and 12 missing in that province.
Additionally, local media, citing North Sumatra police spokesman Ferry Walintukan, said the death toll there has reached 62, with 95 people injured and at least 65 still missing.
Walintukan added that heavy rain and road closures caused by landslides are seriously delaying rescue teams, expressing hope that better weather will allow helicopters to reach the worst hit areas.
Meanwhile, Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs said regional telecom networks have been widely disrupted, after 495 communication towers went offline due to power cuts, leaving entire areas without phone or internet service.
In addition, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency said a cyclone named Senyar formed last Wednesday and is expected to intensify rain and winds in the area.
It noted that the June-September monsoon season routinely brings heavy rains that can trigger landslides, flash floods, and waterborne diseases.
Indonesia faces severe weather events every year because of its location in the tropical belt and the high number of people living in vulnerable mountain and coastal areas.
Fluctuating emergency budgets and weak infrastructure often worsen the impact of disasters and slow rapid response efforts. (end) aab.lr