Death Toll Rises to 174 in Devastating Floods and Landslides Across Sumatra, Indonesia

35 fatalities were reported in the island's Aceh province (File)

The death toll from devastating floods and landslides that struck the western Indonesian island of Sumatra this week has escalated to 174, according to a disaster official's statement on Friday. Approximately 80 individuals remain missing in the aftermath of these catastrophic events.

"As of this afternoon, our records indicate that across the entire North Sumatra province, there have been 116 confirmed deaths, with search operations still underway for 42 missing persons," reported National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) chief Suharyanto, who is known by a single name.

He further noted that 35 additional fatalities occurred in the island's Aceh province, while West Sumatra province reported 23 deaths from the natural disasters.