Indonesia Floods Leave Hundreds Missing as Cyclone Senyar Wreaks Havoc

Rescuers in Indonesia are scrambling to locate at least 400 people reported missing, many believed trapped under landslides, following catastrophic floods caused by cyclonic rains nearly a week ago. The Government has confirmed that the death toll on Sumatra has surpassed 440.

Cyclone Senyar, an exceptionally rare tropical storm, triggered severe flooding and landslides across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, washing away homes and submerging thousands of buildings. The National Disaster Management Agency highlighted that Central Tapanuli and Sibolga are cut off and require urgent attention. Ships carrying aid are expected to reach Sibolga by Monday.

Despite air and sea deliveries of relief supplies, many villages remain isolated, and reports of looting have emerged as residents scramble for food and water. In Sungai Nyalo village, about 100 km from Padang, receding floodwaters left homes, vehicles, and crops buried under thick mud. “Most villagers chose to stay; they didn’t want to abandon their homes,” said Idris, 55.

International aid has started arriving, with Malaysia sending medical supplies to Aceh. Tech billionaire Elon Musk also pledged free Starlink services to support emergency communications.

The storm is part of a wider regional disaster, with torrential rains affecting Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, leaving over 900 dead this month. Thailand reported at least 170 deaths, while Malaysia saw several fatalities. In Sri Lanka, floods and mudslides claimed more than 330 lives, with areas of Colombo still submerged.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, floods have fueled public outrage over Government corruption. Tens of thousands protested in Manila against the diversion of flood-control funds, a crisis now threatening President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration. Protests were led by the Roman Catholic Church, unions, students, and left-wing groups, citing mismanagement and corruption in disaster preparedness.

As Southeast Asia grapples with one of the deadliest series of storms in recent years, Governments are facing both humanitarian and political challenges, with millions displaced and urgent calls for accountability and relief.