Sumatra Island, Indonesia: 19 casualties due to flash floods and landslide

Local authorities of Sumatra Island in Indonesia reported that, due to flash floods and a landslide, at least 19 people lost their lives, while two were injured and seven more are missing. The catastrophe caused more than 80,000 people to seek refuge in temporary government shelters. The incidents occurred on Friday 8^th of March 2024 in Pesisir Selatan district of West Sumatra province.

According to the leader of local disaster management agency, Doni Yusrizal, heavy rainfall triggered other environmental hazards such as mud, rocks, and trees rolling down the mountainside, engulfing nearby villages. In addition, as the authorities stated, the rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to power outages and blocked roads covered in debris.

It should be mentioned that flash floods and landslides are common events in Indonesia, particularly during the rainy season, affecting millions of residents who live near the floodplains. For example, last December, two fatalities were recorded following landslides and floods near Lake Toba on Sumatra, where numerous houses and a hotel were destroyed.