Sumatra Floods as of December 17, 2025: Thousands of Lives Lost, Dozens of Regions Still in Emergency Status
The major floods that have struck the Sumatra region as of December 17, 2025, show an extremely alarming situation. Preliminary data record 1,053 fatalities, 200 people still missing, and 606,040 residents forced to evacuate after their homes and settlements were submerged by floodwaters.
To date, 25 cities and regencies across three provinces have been placed under emergency response status, namely Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
Emergency-Affected Areas
Aceh Province (12 regions):
Aceh Utara, Aceh Tamiang, Aceh Timur, Bener Meriah, Bireuen, Pidie Jaya, Aceh Tengah, Gayo Lues, Langsa, Lhokseumawe, Nagan Raya, Pidie.
North Sumatra Province (8 regions):
Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, Sibolga City, North Tapanuli, Langkat, Medan City, Humbang Hasundutan, South Nias.
West Sumatra Province (5 regions):
Agam, Padang Pariaman, Tanah Datar, Pesisir Selatan, Pariaman City.
Not Just Numbers
This tragedy is not merely about statistics. Every number represents a life, a family that has lost a loved one, and a human dream swept away by disaster. Thousands of residents are now surviving in evacuation shelters amid limited logistics, the threat of disease, and an uncertain future.
Local governments, volunteers, and various elements of society continue to carry out evacuations, distribute aid, and search for those still missing. However, extreme weather conditions and damaged infrastructure pose major challenges on the ground.
The situation continues to evolve, and people in vulnerable areas are urged to remain vigilant and follow official instructions from the authorities.
