Hello guys, How is it going?
Happy weekend
Indonesia, my beloved country, mourns once more
Indonesia has once again been struck by a major natural disaster, and this time the impact has been especially heartbreaking. In late November 2025, several parts of Sumatra one of Indonesia’s largest islands were hit by severe floods and landslides. These disasters were triggered by days of heavy monsoon rains, made even stronger by a tropical cyclone named Senyar.
For many people around the world, Indonesia is known as a \beautiful country with rich culture, warm people, and stunning landscapes. But the same nature that makes Indonesia beautiful can also bring enormous challenges. This disaster is a clear reminder of how vulnerable many communities in Indonesia are to extreme weather..
What Happened in Sumatra?
In the last week of November, extremely heavy rain fell across several provinces in Sumatra. The rainfall was far higher than usual. This sudden and powerful downpour caused: Flash floods , Landslides , Rivers overflowing ,Entire villages being submerged, Roads being cut off , Power and communication lines collapsing
According to official reports, at least 174 people have died, and about 79 are still missing. Many families have lost their homes, their land, and in some cases, their loved ones.
The most affected regions are: North Sumatra , West Sumatra and Aceh
These are large provinces with both cities and rural areas, but in all of these places, the destruction is widespread
A Closer Look at the Damage
In total, more than 3,200 buildings have been flooded or destroyed. These include houses, schools, small shops, and places of worship. For many families, it is not just their home that is gone it is also their source of income.
Around 3,000 families have had to evacuate to temporary shelters, which are often crowded and uncomfortable. Many do not have enough clean water, food, or blankets. Some are staying in school buildings or government halls, while others are sheltering with relatives.
On top of that, many roads have turned into rivers. Rescue teams are finding it difficult to reach remote areas because: Bridges have collapsed , Main roads are blocked , Power has been cut for days and Communication networks are unstable
Entire neighborhoods have been seen underwater in drone footage. Some houses were completely swept away by the current. Many areas look like lakes instead of towns.
Why Did This Disaster Happen?
Indonesia sits in a tropical and disaster-prone region. Every year, the country experiences monsoon rains, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. But several factors made this event much worse:
Happy weekend
Indonesia, my beloved country, mourns once more
Indonesia has once again been struck by a major natural disaster, and this time the impact has been especially heartbreaking. In late November 2025, several parts of Sumatra one of Indonesia’s largest islands were hit by severe floods and landslides. These disasters were triggered by days of heavy monsoon rains, made even stronger by a tropical cyclone named Senyar.
For many people around the world, Indonesia is known as a \beautiful country with rich culture, warm people, and stunning landscapes. But the same nature that makes Indonesia beautiful can also bring enormous challenges. This disaster is a clear reminder of how vulnerable many communities in Indonesia are to extreme weather..
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| EFFORT: Rescue efforts using a rubber boat were captured on video from a drone. (reuters/kp). Source : kaltimpost.jawapos.com |
What Happened in Sumatra?
In the last week of November, extremely heavy rain fell across several provinces in Sumatra. The rainfall was far higher than usual. This sudden and powerful downpour caused: Flash floods , Landslides , Rivers overflowing ,Entire villages being submerged, Roads being cut off , Power and communication lines collapsing
According to official reports, at least 174 people have died, and about 79 are still missing. Many families have lost their homes, their land, and in some cases, their loved ones.
The most affected regions are: North Sumatra , West Sumatra and Aceh
These are large provinces with both cities and rural areas, but in all of these places, the destruction is widespread
Sumatera, Indonesia on MAPS
In total, more than 3,200 buildings have been flooded or destroyed. These include houses, schools, small shops, and places of worship. For many families, it is not just their home that is gone it is also their source of income.
Around 3,000 families have had to evacuate to temporary shelters, which are often crowded and uncomfortable. Many do not have enough clean water, food, or blankets. Some are staying in school buildings or government halls, while others are sheltering with relatives.
On top of that, many roads have turned into rivers. Rescue teams are finding it difficult to reach remote areas because: Bridges have collapsed , Main roads are blocked , Power has been cut for days and Communication networks are unstable
Entire neighborhoods have been seen underwater in drone footage. Some houses were completely swept away by the current. Many areas look like lakes instead of towns.
Why Did This Disaster Happen?
Indonesia sits in a tropical and disaster-prone region. Every year, the country experiences monsoon rains, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. But several factors made this event much worse:
1. Tropical Cyclone Senyar A rare weather event in the region, Cyclone Senyar intensified the rainfall and winds, causing sudden flash floods.
2. Unstable Soil In many parts of Sumatra, the soil becomes very loose during the rainy season. When the ground is saturated with water, it gives way and causes landslides.
3. Deforestation Illegal logging and land clearing have weakened the natural protection of forests. Trees play a big role in preventing soil erosion and absorbing rainwater. Without them, water flows quickly and violently downhill.
4. Climate Change In recent years, weather patterns across Southeast Asia have become more extreme. Warmer oceans and unstable atmospheric conditions have contributed to stronger storms and heavier rainfall.
Human Stories Behind the Disaster?
Behind the numbers are real people living through the most painful days of their lives. Many survivors say the floodwaters rose extremely fast—sometimes within minutes. People had no time to save their belongings. Some climbed trees, rooftops, or even electricity poles to escape the rushing water.
Parents carried their children on their shoulders. Elderly residents had to be lifted on makeshift rafts. A number of families were separated during the evacuation. Rescue workers reported seeing houses being pulled away by the flood. Volunteers, police, military, and local communities have been working day and night to save those trapped.
How the Government Is Responding
Indonesia’s President, Prabowo Subianto, has coordinated national relief efforts. Military aircraft have been delivering essential supplies to emergency shelters, including: Instant food , Clean water ,Tents , Medicines , Blankets and Portable toilets
Hold on. What I meant by “portable toilets” . In disaster areas like Sumatra, many public facilities such as bathrooms and toilets are damaged, flooded, or completely inaccessible. Thousands of people are staying in temporary shelters, and without proper sanitation, the risk of disease becomes very high.
This is why the government and humanitarian teams send portable toilets to the affected locations. These mobile units are easy to set up, clean, and move. They help keep the environment hygienic and protect survivors especially children and elderly people from infections like diarrhea, skin diseases, and other health problems that often spread after floods. Hope this simple explanation can make you guys understand even better
Okay continue
Search teams are still looking for people who may be missing, although the damaged roads and continued bad weather make the process difficult. The Indonesian Meteorology Agency has also warned that heavy rain may continue in the coming days, meaning that more floods and landslides are possible.
How Local Communities Are Helping Each Other
Indonesia is known for gotong royong, a cultural tradition of mutual cooperation. In times of disaster, this value becomes even more visible. People across the country have started donation campaigns. Volunteers in cities like Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Medan are collecting rice, Clothes, Milk for babies, Mats, pillows and Hygiene kits
Many villagers who were not directly affected are helping the survivors by cooking meals, providing shelter, or helping with evacuation efforts. In disasters like these, Indonesians often say, “We are all family.”
Why Indonesia Faces Such Frequent Disasters
For readers around the globe, it is important to understand that Indonesia experiences natural disasters more often than many countries. Here are evergreen insights that will always be relevant:
1. Indonesia is an archipelago of 17,000 islands This makes logistics difficult during disasters. Roads, bridges, and communication systems are easily cut off.
2. The country lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” This region is known for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and active tectonic movement.
3. The climate brings heavy rain every year Monsoon seasons are predictable, but climate change is \making the rainfall much more intense.
4. Environmental issues worsen disasters Deforestation, unmanaged development, and land misuse reduce natural protection. 5. Disasters often hit rural, low-income communities
These areas have limited access to strong buildings, early-warning systems, and emergency services. Understanding these long-term factors helps global readers realize why Indonesia needs consistent international support, not just attention during crisis moments.
How You Can Help
For readers abroad who wish to support Indonesians affected by this disaster, here are some ways:
• Donate to trusted international humanitarian organizations
• Share verified information to raise awareness
• Support environmental efforts that protect forests and land
• Keep Indonesia in your thoughts and prayers
• Advocate for global climate action Even small actions can make a meaningful difference.
The people of Sumatra are going through one of the most difficult times in recent years. Homes can be rebuilt and roads can be repaired, but the emotional wounds losing loved ones, memories, and livelihoods take much longer to heal.
Yet, Indonesians are known for their strength, unity, and resilience. As the waters slowly recede and recovery begins, the spirit of gotong royong, compassion, and courage continues to shine. With the support of global friends like you, Indonesia will rise again stronger, wiser, and more prepared for the future.
Yet, Indonesians are known for their strength, unity, and resilience. As the waters slowly recede and recovery begins, the spirit of gotong royong, compassion, and courage continues to shine. With the support of global friends like you, Indonesia will rise again stronger, wiser, and more prepared for the future.
A Message From Asep Haryono
"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well. Please leave any comment down below. Let me hear from you. Greetings from Indonesia"
