The hydrometeorological disaster that struck Indonesia’s provinces of North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra has caused 174 people killed, 79 missing, and 12 injured.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Head of Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (known as BNPB), Suharyanto, delivered updates on the handling of the hydrometeorological disaster that struck the provinces of North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra in a press conference from Silangit Airport, North Tapanuli, North Sumatra, Friday (Nov. 28).

Suharyanto said, 174 people died, 79 were missing, and 12 were injured as a result of the hydrometeorological disaster, the Ministry of Communication and Digital reported in its website on Saturday.

In North Sumatra the disaster has so far caused 116 dead and 42 people missing.

The central government has also deployed personnel from BNPB, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and cross-ministerial/institutional parties to the impacted areas

In Aceh Province, the BNPB recorded 35 deaths, 25 missing, and eight injured. Most of the victims came from Bener Meriah, Southeast Aceh, and Central Aceh.

Data collection is currently ongoing in several areas, including East Aceh, Aceh Singkil, and North Aceh.

The central government has deployed 26 BNPB personnel and sent aid from the President via three Hercules aircraft carrying supplies including rice, sugar, oil, instant noodles, communication equipment, tents, generators, LCRs, and compressors.

In West Sumatra, the BNPB recorded 23 deaths, 12 missing, and four injured, spreading across several areas, including Padang Panjang, Tanah Datar, Agam, Padang City, and West Pasaman.

BNPB reported the current total number of evacuees is 3,900 families.

"There are 3,900 registered evacuees. The worst-hit areas are in Padang Pariaman, Tanah Datar, Solok Regency, and Padang City," Suharyanto noted.

Further information will be provided periodically based on developments on the ground.

In response to the increasing risk of hydrometeorological disasters currently facing the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, BNPB has simultaneously initiated Weather Modification Operations.

Reporting by Indonesia Window