Residents of the flood-affected Indonesian island of Sumatra are resorting to desperate measures, including stealing food and water, as they struggle to survive following devastating floods. This situation arises as reports confirm that the death toll in Sri Lanka from floods and mudslides has climbed to 193.
In Indonesia, the floods struck nearly a week ago, resulting in at least 303 fatalities, with the number expected to rise as recovery efforts continue. Thousands have been displaced, facing severe challenges as landslides, damaged roads, and disrupted communication lines complicate rescue operations. The city of Sibolga and the Central Tapanuli district have been particularly hard-hit, with aid struggling to reach those in need.
Desperate Measures Amidst Devastation
Videos shared on social media depict the chaos as residents scramble through flooded streets and past collapsed barricades to secure essential supplies. Many waded through waist-deep water to access damaged convenience stores, showcasing the dire circumstances faced by those affected. According to Ferry Walintukan, spokesperson for the North Sumatra Police, reports of looting began to surface on the evening of Saturday, March 9, 2024. He noted that regional police have been deployed to restore order, as residents were anxious about food shortages.
“The looting happened before logistical aid arrived,” Walintukan stated. “Residents didn’t know that aid would come and were worried they would starve.”
In response to the crisis, Indonesian authorities mobilized 11 helicopters from Jakarta for ongoing logistical operations, particularly in areas where land access has been compromised. Teddy Indra Wijaya, Cabinet Secretary, mentioned that unpredictable weather continues to hinder these efforts. Footage released by the Cabinet Secretariat showed military personnel airdropping supplies to desperate communities, with survivors in North Tapanuli frantically signaling to helicopters overhead.
Additionally, four navy vessels have docked at a local port to assist with aid distribution, reflecting the urgency of the situation as relief efforts ramp up.
Sri Lanka’s Rising Toll
The humanitarian crisis is not confined to Indonesia. In Sri Lanka, the government has reported that the death toll from recent floods and mudslides has risen to 193, with another 228 individuals still unaccounted for. Nearly 148,000 people have been displaced and are currently sheltered in temporary accommodations. The island has been grappling with severe weather since early March 2024, which worsened significantly on March 7, when heavy rains inundated homes, agricultural land, and transportation routes, particularly in the tea-producing central hill country.
Authorities have indicated that Cyclone Ditwah, which formed in the waters east of Sri Lanka, is anticipated to move toward India’s southern coast, further complicating recovery efforts.
As both nations face the aftermath of these natural disasters, the focus remains on delivering urgent aid and restoring order to affected communities. The international community watches closely, as the recovery process in both Indonesia and Sri Lanka unfolds amidst challenging conditions.
