Indonesian families mourn loved ones as flood deaths pass 900

Bangkok Post Group

Residents in the Indonesian region of Aceh Tamiang have been struggling to get aid while mourning the loss of their loved ones, as the death toll from floods and landslides that hit Sumatra island this month rose to more than 900 people. - REUTERS

Transcript

00:01This is what parts of the Indonesian island of Sumatra look like,

00:05after devastating cyclone-induced floods and landslides hit the island this month.

00:10More than 900 people are now confirmed dead. Hundreds more are missing.

00:15Survivors in the northern Ache Tamyang region have been scrambling to reach volunteer aid sites.

00:20Witnesses say that those who have managed to reach them have been provided with clean clothes and water.

00:26This man says aid distribution has been so slow that many have resorted to looting in the chaos.

00:32But even those who have reached a displacement camp are struggling.

00:36This family are mourning the loss of their wife and mother, 63-year-old Aisha.

00:41She died in a makeshift evacuation camp because she wasn't able to receive medical treatment for her long-standing diabetes.

00:47In the haste of fleeing, she left her medication behind.

00:51Local government officials in Sumatra have called on the national government in Jakarta

00:55to declare a national emergency.

00:58They want additional funds to help rescue and relief efforts.

01:01Earlier this week, President Prabowo Subianto said the situation was improving and current arrangements were sufficient.

01:08Green groups are blaming deforestation linked to mining and logging for amplifying damage from the floods.

01:13Indonesia is investigating companies suspected of clearing forests around flood-hit areas.

01:18The Environment Ministry says it has temporarily halted the operations of suspected companies

01:23and that it will require them to perform environmental audits.

01:27In this case, there are no limits of peace.

01:28And with the

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