Indonesia flood tragedy: Death toll crosses 1,000

Indonesia has been grappling with climate disaster as destructive floods and landslides have killed 1,003 people, according to rescuers’ reports on Saturday.

As per the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, the calamity which ravaged the northwestern island of Sumatra, has also wounded more than 5,400.

Unfortunately, the death toll is expected to surge as 218 people are still missing according to the disaster agency.

Around 1.2 million people have been displaced and forced to take refuge in temporary shelters. The displaced people have grown angry and frustrated due to the slow pace of relief efforts.

In the midst of devastating flood tragedy, Indonesia is also facing difficulties in managing flood recovery costs. According to the Indonesian government officials, Sumatra Island will require 51.82 trillion rupiah ($3.11 billion) in reconstruction and recovery funds.

Among the three affected provinces, including North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra, Ache province require more recovery funds, amounting to a total of 25.41 trillion rupiah.

According to President Prabowo Subianto, the situation has improved, with several areas which had been cut off now accessible to people.

“Here and there, due to natural and physical conditions, there have been slight delays, but I checked all the evacuation sites: their conditions are good, services for them are adequate, and food supplies are sufficient,” Prabowo said after visiting Langkat in North Sumatra province.

These deadly torrential rains contribute to one of the worst recent disasters to hit Sumatra. The island has already suffered the catastrophic ramifications of the 2004 tsunami, which wreaked havoc in its northern region, Aceh.