Flood death tolls rise in Indonesia, Sri Lanka as aid trickles in
Flooding has killed hundreds in both countries and displaced thousands, as damaged roads and downed power lines hamper rescue efforts
Some residents of the flood-hit Indonesian island of Sumatra have resorted to stealing food and water to survive, authorities said on Sunday, while Sri Lankan officials said deaths from floods and mudslides in that island nation have risen to 193.
The floods, which hit Indonesia nearly a week ago, have killed 303 people and displaced thousands, with the number expected to rise as more bodies are recovered. The deluges triggered landslides, damaged roads, cut off parts of the island and downed communication lines.
The challenging weather and the lack of heavy equipment also hampered rescue efforts. Aid has been slow to reach the hardest-hit city of Sibolga and Central Tapanuli District in North Sumatra.
Videos on social media showed people scrambling past crumbling barricades, flooded roads and broken glass to get their hands on food, medicine and gas. Some even waded through waist-deep floodwaters to reach damaged convenience stores.
North Sumatra Police first reported incidents on Saturday evening, said police spokesperson Ferry Walintukan, adding that regional police had been deployed to restore order.
“The looting happened before logistical aid arrived,” he said. “[Residents] didn’t know that aid would come and were worried they would starve.”