Indonesia flood and landslide toll rises to 604 as rescue teams race to reach isolated communities

Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has released updated figures on the impact of floods and landslides across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. According to data published on the BNPB website on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, the number of deaths has reached 604 across the three provinces.

BNPB stated that 464 people remain missing following the widespread flooding and landslides. The agency also reported that around 2,600 individuals have been injured in the disaster.

In total, approximately 1.5 million residents have been affected, with displacement figures exceeding 570,700 people. The displacements are spread across 50 regencies and cities, reflecting the broad geographic scale of the disaster.

According to BNPB, damage to housing has been extensive, with 3,500 houses categorised as heavily damaged. A further 4,100 houses were moderately damaged, and 20,500 suffered light damage.

Public infrastructure losses include 282 damaged educational facilities and 271 damaged bridges. These figures highlight the scale of reconstruction that will be required in the coming months.

The updated data show a notable rise in casualties compared with the previous day. On Monday, 1 December 2025, BNPB reported 442 deaths and 402 missing persons.

BNPB head Lieutenant General TNI Suharyanto said the joint response team continues to accelerate search and rescue operations. He stated that personnel from the TNI, Polri, Basarnas, national ministries, and regional governments are working to restore access and deliver humanitarian support.

During a press briefing at the National Support Post at Silangit Airport, Tapanuli Utara, Suharyanto emphasised the urgency of the ongoing operations. He noted that the challenging terrain and persistent weather conditions have complicated rescue efforts.

A regional breakdown from BNPB shows that North Sumatra recorded 283 deaths, with casualties spread across Tapanuli Tengah, Tapanuli Selatan, Sibolga City, Tapanuli Utara, Humbang Hasundutan, Pakpak Barat, Padang Sidempuan City, Deli Serdang, and Nias. These areas have also reported varying levels of infrastructure damage.

Aceh recorded 151 deaths, with 75 residents still missing. The affected areas include Bener Meriah, Aceh Tengah, Pidie Jaya, Bireuen, Aceh Tenggara, Aceh Utara, Aceh Timur, Lhokseumawe, Gayo Lues, Subulussalam, and Nagan Raya.

BNPB reported that Aceh has seen displacement on a large scale. Around 62,000 households have been forced to leave their homes due to the severity of the flooding and landslides.

In West Sumatra, authorities confirmed 129 deaths and 118 missing persons. 

A further 16 individuals were injured across Agam Regency, Padang Panjang City, Padang City, Padang Pariaman, Tanah Datar, Pasaman Barat, Pasaman, Solok, Solok City, and Pesisir Selatan.

Evacuation figures in West Sumatra total 11,820 households, amounting to 77,918 people. 

The largest groups of evacuees are in Padang City and Pesisir Selatan Regency.

Before the release of the updated casualty figures, President Prabowo Subianto travelled to Padang Pariaman on Monday, 1 December 2025. 

According to official statements, the President reviewed ongoing emergency operations and met affected communities.

Authorities continue to warn that the casualty figures may rise as search and rescue teams gain access to isolated areas.