Prolonged heavy rains since late November 2025 continue to affect large parts of Sumatra, Indonesia, particularly in the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, causing severe flooding and landslides.

As of December 7, 2025, the damages reported by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is as follows:

• Death toll: 940
• Missing Persons: 276
• Injured: 5,000
• Structural damages: Over 147,300 homes
• Impacted communities: 52

 

Damage to public infrastructure has been widespread, disrupting access to public services, movement, and the distribution of relief supplies.

In response to this situation, A-PAD Indonesia will begin operations in the central Tapanuli regency around December 10. After conducting an assessment, the team will select target areas to provide support and provide water and sanitation assistance. A-PAD is also coordinating additional collaborative support with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN).

The needs and assistance status currently confirmed are as follows:

■ Priorities:

Shelter and Relief Supplies: Tarps, blankets, and bedding mats are needed for evacuees in areas affected by flooding and landslides.

Food Assistance: Prepared meals and nutritional supplements are needed in areas with limited transportation access.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance: The provision of clean drinking water is a particular priority, along with hygiene kits and temporary sanitation facilities.

Health services: Mobile health services, basic medicines, and disease prevention measures are needed to address flood-related illnesses such as skin infections, diarrhea, and acute respiratory infections.

Access and logistics support: Removing debris, restoring access roads, and ensuring safe transportation routes are essential to deliver aid, especially to areas isolated by landslides.

■ Deployment of humanitarian actors and volunteers

As of December 7, 2025, 9,966 personnel from 262 humanitarian organizations have been deployed. Participating organizations include local NGOs, faith-based organizations, community groups, volunteer networks, private foundations, and government entities.

■ Current Challenges: 

Limited Access: Landslides and flooding have disrupted road networks, limiting access to some areas and hindering the timely delivery of aid.
Uneven distribution of aid: Aid is unevenly distributed, with aid concentrated in certain areas.

Shortages of relief supplies and water: In some areas, there are shortages of relief supplies such as shelter materials and hygiene kits, as well as clean water supplies.

Weather-related risks: Continued rainfall and erratic weather patterns pose risks of secondary damage such as floods and landslides, affecting aid planning and operations.

A-PAD Indonesia will continue to monitor the situation closely and will swiftly conduct assessments and provide relief efforts in the affected areas.