As the Southeast Asian country struggles with relief efforts, rescuers reported on Saturday that 1,003 people had died in Indonesia due to devastating floods and landslides.
During 5,400 people have been injured as a result of the calamity that has struck the northwest island of Sumatra during the past two weeks, according to the National calamity Mitigation Agency's most recent report.
One of the most recent tragedies to hit Sumatra is the fatal heavy rains. In 2004, a tsunami devastated Aceh province, which is located at the island's northernmost point.
The disaster service reports that 218 individuals are still missing, thus the final toll is anticipated to increase. 1.2 million people have been forced to seek safety in makeshift shelters as large areas of land have been affected. Flood victims dissatisfaction with the speed of relief efforts has increased.
The situation has improved, according to President Prabowo Subianto, who stated on Saturday that numerous previously closed districts are now reachable.
After visiting Langkat in the province of North Sumatra, Prabowo stated, "There have been a few minor delays here and there due to natural and physical conditions, but I checked all the evacuation sites: their conditions are good, services for them are adequate, and food supplies are sufficient."
Rebuilding after the tragedy could cost up to 51.82 trillion rupiah ($3.1 billion), and the Indonesian government has so far rejected calls for foreign aid.
