Jakarta – Indonesia is continuing large-scale reconstruction efforts across Sumatra after devastating flash floods and landslides killed more than 1,000 people and displaced tens of thousands over the past two weeks, authorities said on Sunday.
According to data released by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), at least 1,006 people have been confirmed dead since the disasters began on Nov. 25, while 212 others remain missing. A further 5,400 people were injured, and tens of thousands have been forced to flee their homes.
Search-and-rescue teams remain deployed to locate victims swept away by floods or buried by landslides, while humanitarian assistance continues to be distributed to survivors. The disasters have affected 52 regencies and cities across the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
Aceh has recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 415 deaths and 34 people still missing. North Sumatra has reported 349 deaths and 91 missing, while West Sumatra has confirmed 242 fatalities, with 92 people unaccounted for.
Infrastructure and housing damage has been extensive. BNPB data show that around 158,000 homes have been damaged to varying degrees, from minor to severe. At least 1,200 public facilities – including schools, health clinics, government offices, and places of worship – were also damaged.
The government has begun deploying temporary shelters and emergency aid. On orders from Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, 256 tents were sent to the South Tapanuli regency in North Sumatra.
"In addition, for North Sumatra, the Energy Ministry has dispatched 10 generators, 77 air mattresses, five Starlink units, 10 jet cleaners, nine chainsaws, and emergency lighting," Rudy Sufahriadi, head of the ministry's disaster response team, said in Jakarta on Saturday.
Energy infrastructure recovery in North Sumatra is nearing completion. All 406 fuel stations, 383 LPG distribution agents, and 46 electric vehicle charging facilities have resumed operations, while electricity supply has been restored to nearly all customers.
In Aceh, the ministry has operated public kitchens in Bireuen regency since early December. Repairs to the Brandan – Langsa power transmission line have reached about 85 percent and are expected to reconnect with North Sumatra's electricity grid by Dec. 17.
"Restoring electricity in Aceh is a top priority. Various measures are being taken, including reconnecting the transmission line to the North Sumatra system and installing diesel generators to support supply," Rudy said.
To strengthen Banda Aceh's power system, the government has also installed diesel power plants with a combined capacity of 50 megawatts.
Fuel and LPG supply remains a priority, particularly for isolated areas. In Aceh, 141 of 156 fuel stations have resumed operations, while 118 of 133 LPG agents are active. Facilities that remain offline are largely located in areas still affected by severe flooding or limited access.
In West Sumatra, authorities reported that 147 fuel stations, 172 LPG agents, and 14 electric vehicle charging facilities have returned to normal operations as recovery efforts continue.