Editor’s note
- Sumatra disaster: 1,198 dead
- 166,579 victims displaced
- Accelerated construction of temporary shelters
Sumatra disaster: 1,198 dead
The National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) reported on the progress of emergency relief and recovery efforts following the disaster in the provinces of Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra.
The head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, stated that, based on data up to and including Friday, January 16, 2026, the death toll from the Aceh-Sumatra disaster was 1,198.
“In the latest developments, there has been an increase in the number of fatalities. The total number of deaths due to hydrometeorological disasters in three provinces has risen to 1,198, while 144 people are missing,” he said on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
166,579 disaster victims displaced
The man, often called Aam, explained that eight additional deaths have occurred in Aceh province. He also stated that 166,579 people are currently in evacuation centers.
“Eight additional deaths have occurred in Aceh province. The number of affected residents still in evacuation centers is estimated at 166,579,” he said.
Accelerated construction of temporary housing
He added that efforts are being stepped up to accelerate the construction of temporary housing (huntara), the clearing of access roads and bridges, and the rehabilitation of residential areas to make them more suitable for relocation. ***was
