Desperate Search for Missing Persons Amid Indonesia's Catastrophic Floods

Sun Nov 30 2025 20:12:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Rescue efforts continue in Indonesia as over 400 individuals remain missing following devastating floods triggered by Cyclone Senyar, which have left more than 440 dead in Sumatra and disrupted lives across Southeast Asia.

In the aftermath of severe flooding caused by Cyclone Senyar, rescuers in Indonesia are frantically searching for over 400 individuals reported missing. The floods, which have devastated Sumatra, have resulted in a rising death toll that has exceeded 440. Reports indicate that aid is trickling into affected areas, yet many villages remain isolated, and incidents of theft for basic necessities are emerging. The disaster has broader implications, impacting millions across Southeast Asia.

Rescuers in Indonesia are searching for at least 400 people who have been reported missing, many believed to be buried under landslides, after cyclonic rains caused disastrous flooding nearly a week ago.

The death toll on the island of Sumatra has risen to more than 440, the government says.

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

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

Millions have been affected by heavy rains across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

An exceptionally rare tropical storm, named Cyclone Senyar, caused catastrophic landslides and flooding in Indonesia, with homes swept away and thousands of buildings submerged.

People are missing in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, the National Disaster Management Agency said.

There are two cities that require full attention due to being isolated, namely Central Tapanuli and Sibolga, agency head Suharyanto was quoted as saying by AFP news agency. Ships were expected in Sibolga on Monday, he added.

In Sungai Nyalo village, about 100km (62 miles) from West Sumatra's capital Padang, floodwaters had mostly receded on Sunday, leaving homes, vehicles, and crops coated in thick grey mud, AFP reports.

The authorities had not yet begun clearing roads, residents said, and no outside assistance had arrived.

Most villagers chose to stay; they didn't want to leave their houses behind, Idris, 55, told the news agency.

Police spokesperson Ferry Walintukan said there were reports of people breaking into shops on Sumatra, and police had been sent in to restore order, the Associated Press news agency reported.

The looting happened before logistical aid arrived, Mr Walintukan added. [Residents] didn't know that aid would come and were worried they would starve.

In another development, tech billionaire Elon Musk said he would provide free Starlink services to support communications during the emergency.

Widespread devastation has occurred across the region, with at least 170 people dead in floods in Thailand and several deaths reported in Malaysia. In the Philippines, protests have erupted against government corruption following deaths from floods, while Sri Lanka has reported nearly 200 fatalities as well.