Torrential rain causes Christmas havok across Indonesia

Apriadi Gunawan and Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Medan, Banda Aceh

The Christmas holiday was observed in a somber mood Monday as the death toll from rain-triggered natural disasters across the country climbed to 73. Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes.

Aceh, still struggling to bounce back following the December 2004 tsunami, was the worst hit. At least 42 people have died there as of Monday, as floods have hit six regencies in the past four days. The number of fatalities could grow as rescuers reach more remote villages.

“Aceh Tamiang regency is the worst hit, with floodwaters reaching house roofs and flooding many shophouses,” acting Aceh Governor Mustafa Abubakar said in Banda Aceh on Monday. Aceh Tamiang regency is located on the border with North Sumatra.

The floods have also hit Bireun, Bener Meriah, East Aceh, Gayo Lues and North Aceh regencies, forcing 198,246 residents in the six regencies to abandon their homes.

Relief aid has been airlifted to 49 affected districts in Aceh, as land transportation to the areas has been cut off.

At least 23 U.N. trucks were heading to eastern coastal areas to distribute assistance. “Foreign institutions which have assisted Aceh post-tsunami have also expressed a commitment to helping flood victims,” Mustafa said.

The high water has damaged 1,398 houses, he said, with 158 swept away. Houses of worship and schools have also flooded.

Mustafa said once the water subsided, 14 damaged bridges should be repaired as quickly as possible. “If we don’t repair the bridges immediately, there will be a shortage of logistical supplies from Medan, North Sumatra, and this is dangerous for Aceh,” he said.

In North Sumatra, 19 people, including two military personnel, died in a landslide in Mandailing Natal regency, which was struck by an earthquake last Monday. The quake killed four people and destroyed more than 800 houses.

Most of those killed in the Sunday landslides were returning home to Gedang hamlet in Muara Sipongi district after fleeing to safety following the quake.

A witness, Adif Nasution, said most victims had returned home Sunday at 4 p.m. At around 7:45 p.m., a thunderous sound came from a hill nearby.

“The landslide happened so quickly. Tens of houses below the hill were buried,” Adif said.

Arifin Saleh, who is working at a post run jointly by nongovernmental groups, said officials should not have told quake victims to return home when the area was still being hit by aftershocks.

“Let the residents live in shelters; they’ll know when to go back home,” he said.

The regency’s administrative secretary, Aswar Indra Nasution, confirmed the tragedy Monday but denied the administration had instructed the displaced people to go back home.

Returning quake victims abandoned their homes again Monday because of the landslide. Some Christians among the victims celebrated Christmas in makeshift shelters.

“Many residents have left their homes fearing aftershocks and landslides,” said Aswar without giving details on the numbers of people.

The bodies of 10 flood victims have been found in Langkat regency, North Sumatra, which was badly hit by floods in the past three days. Seven other people were reportedly still missing, and thousands of residents have been forced from their homes.