DEATH TOLL FROM FLOODS, LANDSLIDES IN INDONESIA'S SUMATRA PASSES 80

JAKARTA, Nov 28 (Bernama-dpa) -- More than 80 people have been killed and dozens remain missing after days of torrential rain triggered floods and landslides across three Indonesian provinces, the national disaster agency said on Friday, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Emergency crews are racing to reopen blocked roads, restore communications and reach villages that have been cut off since earlier in the week.

The worst losses have occurred in North Sumatra, where the authorities reported 55 deaths and 41 people missing, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). 

The district of Central Tapanuli suffered the heaviest toll with 34 deaths, while 33 people there have not been found. 

In West Sumatra, 21 people had been confirmed dead after flash floods swept through several districts, the agency said. Search teams are still trying to reach isolated communities where roads remain blocked by debris, it said.

The flooding began earlier in the week after relentless rainfall caused rivers to overflow in multiple districts.

Officials said their immediate priorities include clearing landslide-blocked roads, repairing bridges, delivering food and medical supplies by air, and restoring power and mobile phone networks to cut-off districts. 

Two aircraft have been deployed for weather modification efforts intended to reduce rainfall, while helicopters are on standby to deliver aid, BNPB said.

Indonesia is among the world’s most disaster-prone countries. 

Intense rainfall during the November to April monsoon season often triggers flooding and landslides, particularly in areas where deforestation, steep terrain and rapid population growth have put communities at greater risk. 

Climate scientists have warned that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent.

-- BERNAMA-dpa