In Indonesia, survivors strive to rebuild under the threat of new rains
In Indonesia, survivors are trying to rebuild their lives following floods that have left nearly 1,600 dead across four Southeast and South Asian countries. However, uncertainty looms due to slow aid and the forecast of more rain.
Currently, the death toll in Indonesia stands at 837, with 545 people reported missing, primarily on the island of Sumatra. The country's meteorological agency warned on Friday of further rainfall in the region, particularly in Aceh, located at the northwestern tip of the island, which has been the most affected by the devastation.
"Aceh could experience heavy to very heavy rainfall today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday), while northern and western Sumatra may see moderate to heavy rains today and tomorrow," the agency stated.
The floods were caused by two distinct weather systems: one in South Asia that has resulted in at least 479 deaths in Sri Lanka, and another in Southeast Asia, which has also caused 276 deaths in Thailand and two in Malaysia.
In Vietnam, torrential rains have flooded thousands of homes in Lam Dong province (south) on Thursday, resulting in at least two fatalities, according to Voice of Vietnam. The media reported 16 landslides that have damaged roads and bridges.
In Sumatra, a large island in western Indonesia, nearly 500,000 residents are still living in temporary shelters, as homes, roads, and pipelines have suffered significant damage.
"The state of our house was unimaginable (...) It was covered with mud up to the ceiling. All around, there were piles of wood," recounted Rumita Laurasibuea.
For this 42-year-old official, who has taken refuge in a high school, recovering from the flood's consequences "could take over a year."
For residents still traumatized, new rains could mean new suffering.
"We are still worried... If the rain comes back, where will we go? Where can we evacuate to? If school reopens, where will we stay?" Rumita wonders.
"This is a calamity we have to face," said Hendra Vramenia, 37, who fled his village of Kampung Dalam in southeastern Aceh, expressing concern for many who, in areas yet to receive humanitarian aid, are at risk of starvation.
In Sri Lanka, the flooding observed since last week is beginning to subside, according to authorities, although the country has been experiencing heavy rainfall again since Thursday.
In Gampola city, located in the center of the country, residents were busy on Friday clearing mud and debris carried by the floods.
"We are receiving help from volunteers from other regions for this cleanup," said Muslim cleric Faleeldeen Qadiri at the Gate Jumma mosque.
"We estimated that it takes ten men and a whole day to clean a single house," added a volunteer who introduced himself as Rinas. "No one can do it alone."
- "Criminal Prosecutions" -
Much of Asia is currently experiencing the peak of the monsoon season, which often leads to flooding.
Experts say that climate change causes more intense rainfall episodes, as a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, and higher ocean temperatures can amplify storms.
However, environmentalists, experts, and even the Indonesian government have highlighted the role of deforestation in sudden floods and landslides.
Indonesia is among the countries with the highest annual forest loss rates. In 2024, over 240,000 hectares of primary forest disappeared.
Jakarta announced on Wednesday the revocation of permits for eight companies suspected of exacerbating the effects of the disaster.
If their involvement in illegal logging or land clearing is proven, "investigations could lead to criminal prosecutions," said Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq.
The scale of the disaster in Sumatra complicates relief operations.
When asked about the possibility of seeking international assistance, as Sri Lanka has done, Indonesia assured this week that it could manage on its own, despite calls from NGOs and politicians and testimonies from disaster victims denouncing inadequate measures taken.