More than 400 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds injured after destructive floods triggered by cyclonic rains tore through Indonesia last week.
Rescue teams are struggling to reach remote parts of Sumatra, the worst-affected region, where entire communities have been cut off and thousands are stranded without food, clean water or medical supplies.
The devastation, one of the deadliest in years, follows the formation of Cyclone Senyar, an exceptionally rare tropical storm in this part of the world, which unleashed massive landslides and torrents of floodwater that swept away homes, bridges and farmlands. Thousands of buildings remain submerged, with emergency workers battling mudslides and washed-out roads to access survivors.
The impact of Senyar has rippled far beyond Indonesia. Torrential rains and violent storms have pounded Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, affecting millions and contributing to a regional death toll of more than 900 across Asia this month.
In Indonesia, the disaster response has intensified as President Prabowo Subianto visited Central Tapanuli Regency in North Sumatra on Sunday. According to the presidential press office, he toured public kitchens, relief centres and evacuation posts where displaced residents are seeking shelter.
Authorities say more than 200 people have been confirmed dead in North Sumatra alone, while another 200 remain missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with officials warning that the numbers could rise as access improves to isolated districts.
The Indonesian government has appealed for humanitarian support as the country confronts the widespread destruction left in the wake of Cyclone Senyar.
