BNPB clarifies cemetery bodies counted in Sumatra disaster toll as deaths reach 1,016

The confirmed death toll from flash floods and landslides that struck multiple parts of Sumatra has reached 1,016 people, Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said on Sunday, as authorities continue to verify casualty data from affected regions.

BNPB reported that the figure increased after the confirmation of 10 additional deaths — nine in Aceh and one in Agam Regency — bringing the total from 1,006 to 1,016. The agency said the number of missing persons currently stands at 212, while 624,670 people remain displaced across Sumatra.

Providing details on the figures, Head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre Abdul Muhari said fluctuations in the death toll were partly due to the verification process carried out during post-disaster search and rescue operations.

He explained that several disaster-hit areas included cemeteries that were damaged by floods and landslides, resulting in previously deceased individuals being uncovered and initially recorded during early search efforts.

“Floods and landslides also affected cemetery areas, so some of the bodies found were those who had already passed away,” Abdul Muhari said during an online press conference on Sunday, 14 December 2025.

To ensure accuracy, district governments conducted identity verification by matching names and addresses of those found against civil registry and cemetery records. As the verification progressed across districts and cities, casualty figures were adjusted accordingly.

“As new data emerges every day from several regions, the results of identity verification directly affect the number of fatalities,” Abdul Muhari said.

BNPB also noted changes in displacement figures. While the number of people staying in centralised evacuation centres has declined as residents move in with relatives or neighbours, those individuals remain classified as displaced and are still included in official counts.

Authorities continue search, rescue and relief operations across Sumatra, with BNPB stressing that transparent and accurate victim data is essential for effective aid distribution and public accountability in disaster response.