Death Toll Reaches 303 with 279 Still Missing in Devastating Indonesia Floods and Landslides

At least 279 individuals remain unaccounted for while approximately 80,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas. (File)

The death toll from devastating floods and landslides triggered by cyclonic rainfall on Indonesia's Sumatra island has escalated to 303, according to an announcement made Saturday by the head of the country's disaster mitigation agency, marking a significant increase from the previously reported 174 fatalities.

Extensive regions across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand have been battling severe weather conditions for a week, as torrential rains fueled by cyclonic activity continue, with an uncommon tropical storm forming in the Malacca Strait.

Agency chief Suharyanto informed journalists that while around 80,000 people have been evacuated, 279 individuals remain missing, and hundreds are still stranded across three provinces throughout Sumatra island, Indonesia's westernmost territory.

Emergency responders have deployed helicopters to deliver essential aid and manage logistics in northern Sumatra, which experienced the most severe impact with roads rendered impassable and communications infrastructure destroyed by numerous landslides.

"We are working diligently to reestablish the route connecting North Tapanuli to Sibolga (in North Sumatra province), which has been severely cut off for three consecutive days," Suharyanto stated.

He further explained that rescue forces were attempting to clear a road blockage caused by a major landslide, noting that people trapped along a stretch of road urgently required supplies. Military presence will be increased Sunday to bolster relief operations.

Suharyanto also mentioned instances where desperate residents affected by the rainfall in the heavily impacted Central Tapanuli area had attempted to ransack emergency supplies.

Across the Malacca Strait in Thailand, government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat confirmed Saturday that the death toll from floods in the southern region has risen to 162, up from the previously reported 145 fatalities.