[Regnum] The death toll from floods and landslides in Sumatra, Indonesia, has risen to 442, the Associated Press reported on November 30.
Another 402 people are missing in three Indonesian provinces—North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh. A total of 290,700 people have been left homeless.
Search efforts continue to be hampered by difficult terrain, destroyed access roads, and adverse weather conditions. Several affected areas remain inaccessible, and authorities fear the death toll will rise.
Flooding caused by Hurricane Senjar began in North Sumatra five days ago. Senjar formed on November 21 as a tropical storm in waters east of Aceh, bringing heavy rains and strong winds. Rivers overflowed their banks.
On November 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent condolences to his Indonesian counterpart, Prabowo Subianto, following the mass loss of life due to floods. He expressed hope for a speedy return to normal, prosperous life in the affected regions.