Floods in Sumatra Kill Over 1,200, Linked to Deforestation

In November 2025, a cyclone named Senyar formed in the Malacca Strait, leading to torrential rains across Sumatra, Indonesia. These rains triggered floods and landslides that killed more than 1,200 people and displaced hundreds of thousands in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

Residents in affected villages, such as those in North Aceh's Sawang district, reported homes being swept away by fast-rising waters.

Salmawati, a resident of Lokh Pungki village in North Aceh, described waking before dawn to find the river overflowing. She evacuated with her two young sons to higher ground and witnessed her home of 30 years being destroyed. Firmadi, the head of Lokh Pungki village, stated that by 3:00 a.m., high water levels caused houses to be carried off, with large logs crashing into structures.

In nearby Babah Krueng village, Nur Aenun recounted climbing onto her house roof with her elderly father as waters rose. She observed massive logs rushing past, contributing to the destruction of homes and community areas. Abc reported that these logs, possibly from upstream sources, intensified the damage during the floods.

Abc noted that environmental groups and disaster officials suggested deforestation played a role in making the disaster more severe. The island of Sumatra has lost nearly 4.5 million hectares of forest over the last 25 years, according to Nusantara Atlas, often due to activities like palm oil plantations and mining.

Satellite images show significant forest clearance in areas such as Geudumbak and Gunci over the past decade.

Many companies have conducted land clearing with government permits, replacing forests with extractive industries. This deforestation has altered the landscape, potentially increasing flood risks by reducing natural barriers. The stakes include ongoing vulnerability for communities in affected regions, where rice fields and gardens have been destroyed.

Survivors in places like Sawang and Babah Krueng are now living in tents amid debris, facing challenges in rebuilding. The disaster has left piles of mud, timber, and scattered remains, affecting local agriculture and livelihoods. What happens next may involve recovery efforts, though Abc reported that residents fear future catastrophes due to environmental changes.