JAKARTA, Dec 3 (NNN-ANTARA) – The death toll from recent floods and landslides across three provinces on Sumatra Island has risen to 712, with 507 people still missing, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said, last night.
The agency reported that, the disasters have displaced about 1.1 million people in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh provinces.
Rescue teams faced difficulties reaching several villages, as floods swept away roads and destroyed bridges. Although helicopters and boats have been deployed, local authorities said, deteriorating weather conditions and damaged infrastructure, continue to hamper efforts.
At the same time, efforts to restore telecommunications services are also being accelerated. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs reported that, more than 90 percent of transmission towers in flood- and landslide-affected areas in West Sumatra and North Sumatra have resumed operations.
The ministry is also accelerating efforts to restore telecommunications networks, ensuring residents can reconnect and access essential information.
Indonesian President, Prabowo Subianto, said that, the government’s rescue and relief efforts are being carried out with full force.
He stressed that, Indonesia must respond effectively to climate change, adding that, local governments should play a greater role in environmental protection and in preparing for future extreme weather events.– NNN-ANTARA