Indonesia searches for hundreds missing in deadly floods

Rescue teams in Indonesia are searching for at least 400 people reported missing, many of whom are believed to have been buried under landslides, following catastrophic flooding caused by hurricane rains nearly a week ago.

The government says the death toll on the island of Sumatra has risen to over 440.

Aid has been sent to affected areas by air and sea, but some villages have yet to receive any aid and there are reports of people stealing food and water to survive.

Some foreign aid arrived, with Malaysia sending medical supplies to Aceh, one of the worst-hit states.

Millions of people across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines, were affected by heavy rains.

An extremely rare tropical storm called Hurricane Senyar caused catastrophic landslides and flooding in Indonesia, sweeping away homes and submerging thousands of buildings.

The National Disaster Management Agency said people were missing in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.

“There are two cities that require full attention due to their isolation: Central Tapanuli and Sibolga,” agency chief Suharyanto told AFP news agency. He added that the ships were expected to arrive in Sibolga on Monday.

In the village of Sungai Nyalo, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from West Sumatra’s capital Padang, floodwaters mostly receded on Sunday, covering homes, vehicles and crops in thick gray mud, AFP reported.

Local residents said authorities had not yet started clearing the roads and there was no outside help.

“Most of the villagers chose to stay; they did not want to leave their homes behind,” Idris, 55, told the news agency.

Police spokesman Ferry Walintukan said there were reports of people breaking into stores in Sumatra and police were sent to maintain order, the Associated Press news agency reported.

“The looting took place before logistical assistance arrived,” Mr. Walintukan added. “[Residents] “They didn’t know help was coming and were worried they would starve.”

In another development, tech billionaire Elon Musk said he will provide free Starlink services to support communications in emergency situations.

There was great destruction throughout the region.

At least 170 people died in floods in Thailand, while many deaths were reported in Malaysia.

Tens of thousands of people protested government corruption in the Philippines this month after a series of floods killed more than 200 people.

In Sri Lanka, at least 193 people died from floods and landslides as the country struggled with one of the worst weather disasters in recent years.