 |
| Over 105K Still Displaced After Massive Floods Hit Sumatra. |
More than 105,000 people across Sumatra are still living in evacuation shelters as deadly floods and landslides continue to leave deep scars in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra. Even weeks after the disasters struck, the situation on the ground shows recovery is far from over.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reports that 105,842 residents have yet to return home. For many families, safety comes first, forcing them to stay in temporary shelters with support from joint response teams made up of central and local government officials. Some evacuees are staying at official camps, while others are seeking refuge independently with relatives or in public facilities.
According to BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari, the figures reflect the latest data as of Monday (Feb 2) and will continue to be updated. “Accurate data is critical,” he said, noting that it helps ensure aid distribution matches real needs in the field.
Beyond food supplies, BNPB is focusing heavily on health services, clean water access, sanitation, and protection for vulnerable groups, including children, elderly residents, and pregnant women. Managing evacuation sites effectively has become a top priority to prevent secondary crises.
The human toll remains heartbreaking. So far, authorities have confirmed 1,204 fatalities, while 140 people are still missing following the disasters that began nearly two months ago. For many survivors, the trauma is ongoing as they wait for clarity and support.
To address housing losses, BNPB has stepped up efforts to build temporary shelters. Out of 17,332 proposed units, 5,039 shelters are already completed and ready for occupancy. These structures are expected to provide short-term relief while permanent reconstruction plans move forward.
BNPB stressed that rebuilding damaged infrastructure—including roads, bridges, and public facilities—is key to restoring economic activity and daily life in affected areas. Without functioning infrastructure, recovery will remain slow.
For now, thousands of families are still holding on in evacuation camps, hoping conditions will improve soon. The disaster may no longer dominate headlines, but for those impacted, the struggle is very real—and far from finished.