BNPB reports rising death toll as Sumatra floods claim 969 lives

According to the Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB), the number of fatalities from the floods affecting Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra increased to 969 on 10 December 2025.

The agency released the figures through its geoportal dashboard for flood and landslide emergency response.

BNPB stated that the data were recorded on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, at 9.11 WIB.

The agency noted that Aceh accounted for 391 deaths. West Sumatra recorded 238 deaths, while North Sumatra reported 340.

BNPB added that the number of people injured across the three provinces reached 5,000.

The agency also reported that 262 individuals remained missing, a slight decrease from the previous day’s total of 264.

North Sumatra recorded the highest number of missing persons at 138. Aceh reported 31 missing people, while West Sumatra recorded 93.

BNPB observed that the reduction in the number of missing persons reflected improved field verification.

The floods also caused extensive damage to infrastructure and housing. The agency reported that 157,900 structures across 52 districts were affected.

The disaster damaged 1,200 public facilities and 215 health facilities. A total of 584 educational facilities and 423 houses of worship were also damaged. Additionally, 287 office buildings and 498 bridges were affected.

BNPB noted that displacement numbers have decreased over recent days.

On Monday, 8 December 2025, evacuees numbered 1,057,482. This fell to 894,101 on Tuesday, 9 December 2025.

The agency attributed the decline to improving conditions in several districts. It added that access routes had begun to reopen in selected areas.

Emergency teams continue to work across affected provinces to restore services.

BNPB said assessments are ongoing and figures may change as new data are verified. The floods, triggered by days of intense rainfall, have disrupted livelihoods and damaged critical infrastructure.

Authorities are coordinating with regional governments to accelerate aid distribution.

BNPB stressed the importance of maintaining public awareness as weather conditions remain unpredictable. The agency also highlighted the need for long-term mitigation measures to strengthen resilience.

Provisional government assessments indicate that more than Rp51.82 trillion (S$4 billion) will be needed to restore conditions in Aceh, Sumatra Utara and Sumatra Barat.

The estimate covers rehabilitation and reconstruction across housing, infrastructure and essential public services damaged by the floods and landslides.

BNPB Chief Suharyanto said the figures remain provisional as data collection continues, noting that Aceh alone requires Rp25.41 trillion. He added that several districts remain isolated, while restoration of communication and electricity networks is progressing across the affected provinces, though terrain and weather challenges persist.