Floods in Sumatra, Indonesia, have left hundreds dead and missing, while officials warn more rain could hit already devastated regions.
The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) warned that widespread rain was likely after it observed a rise in rainfall across several parts of the country.
Officials cautioned that some cities could face severe conditions, increasing strain on regions already hit by flooding and landslides. The alert followed days of mounting damage and loss across Sumatra.
The National Disaster Management Agency said the death toll from ongoing floods and landslides in Sumatra climbed to 442 with 402 people still missing. Search and rescue teams have been working for six days to locate those unaccounted for, while communities wait for updates.
Authorities reported that 646 people were injured and 1.1 million were affected. Hundreds of homes were damaged and more than 290000 residents were displaced. Many areas remain unreachable due to difficult terrain, limiting the use of heavy machinery and slowing rescue efforts.
Teams on the ground and in the air continue to push into isolated areas. They are battling blocked roads, unstable slopes, and washed out paths that prevent large equipment from entering.
Small rescue units have been moving through debris by hand. Progress has been slow but steady as responders try to reach communities cut off since the flooding began.
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Officials noted that even aerial support has faced limitations. Weather conditions and narrow access points have made it hard for helicopters to land or deliver supplies.
Across Sumatra, families are sheltering in crowded temporary camps. Many left their homes with little warning and now depend on emergency services for food and water.
Local authorities said ongoing rainfall could worsen the situation. Communities already overwhelmed fear that another wave of storms may bring more flooding.
Emergency groups are preparing additional shelters and supply routes. They said long term recovery will require sustained national support.
