Jakarta, Indonesia – The death toll from floods and landslides that struck several regions in Indonesia in recent days has risen to more than 700.
This is one of the worst natural disasters to hit the country in recent years,
Indonesian authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
Disaster management agencies said that unprecedented heavy rains
caused widespread flooding and swept away thousands of homes, roads and bridges.
This is in addition to widespread landslides that swept through both mountainous and coastal areas.
She noted that rescue teams are facing extreme difficulties in reaching
some of the disaster-stricken areas due to the destruction of infrastructure
and the disruption of communications.
humanitarian and food crisis
Authorities confirmed that the number of missing persons remains high,
suggesting the possibility of an increase in the number of victims in the coming hours.
This comes amid ongoing search operations involving the army, police, and local volunteers.
Thousands of residents have also been evacuated to temporary shelters,
while the number of displaced people is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
The government explained that the disaster caused widespread
destruction of property and agricultural crops.
This threatens to cause a humanitarian and food crisis in some of the affected areas.
She announced the issuance of urgent orders to direct humanitarian,
medical and food aid to the shelters.
With efforts to repair main roads being accelerated to open safe corridors for rescue operations.
extreme weather phenomena
Meteorologists pointed out that extreme weather phenomena,
In particular, the heavy seasonal rains resulting from global weather
changes have played a major role in exacerbating the crisis.
They warned that such disasters could be repeated in the future
unless prevention and flood risk management measures are strengthened.
Indonesian authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage,
while international organizations are moving to participate in relief efforts.
This comes amid international calls for urgent support to help those affected by this devastating disaster.
