Chesa Andini Saputra, Jakarta – The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said on Monday that at least 175 people remain missing following a series of floods and landslides that struck parts of Aceh, West Sumatra and North Sumatra late November.
"As of today, the number of people still listed as missing has decreased by 10, bringing the total to 175," BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari told a press conference in Jakarta.
Authorities have so far confirmed 1,106 deaths, with victims identified across multiple districts. More than 502,000 people remain displaced and are sheltering at temporary evacuation sites or with relatives, BNPB said.
As Indonesia enters the third week of December, some evacuees have begun returning to their homes, largely on a temporary basis, to clear mud and debris left by the disaster. Others have chosen to stay with family members outside the affected areas due to ongoing safety concerns.
During the emergency response period, the government has prioritized meeting basic needs for displaced residents, particularly food supplies. Aid has been distributed through provincial social affairs offices, government-run communal kitchens, as well as contributions from volunteers and local community groups.
Abdul said BNPB and other agencies are now approaching a critical phase, as the official emergency response period is scheduled to end on Dec. 25. Authorities are discussing whether to extend the emergency status or transition into an emergency recovery phase.
"The emergency response period ends on Dec. 25. We will jointly evaluate with local and central governments whether it needs to be extended or whether we can move into the transition toward recovery," he said.
During the emergency phase, five priorities remain in focus: search and rescue operations, logistics distribution, restoration of road access, recovery of communications networks, and the repair of energy infrastructure, including electricity and fuel supplies.
BNPB said it hopes all affected districts can enter an early recovery phase by the end of December. President Prabowo Subianto has also urged a swift recovery, expressing hope that displaced residents will be able to move into temporary housing before the start of Ramadan.
"The President has emphasized that with large-scale clean-up efforts and the construction of temporary shelters, affected residents should be able to relocate to temporary housing before Ramadan," Abdul said.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/bnpb-1100-dead-175-still-missing-after-deadly-sumatra-flood