Death Toll From Floods and Landslides on Indonesias Sumatra Island Rises to 248, Authorities Say

Rescuers remove a scooter buried in the mud as they search for victims at a village hit by a landslide in Batu Goading, North Sumatra, Indonesia, in a photo released on Nov. 29, 2025. BASARNAS via APAGAM, Indonesia—Rescue workers in Indonesia struggled on Saturday to reach victims in several devastated areas that were hit by an earthquake and floods, and authorities feared the confirmed death toll of 248 would rise further.The areas were largely cut off by damaged roads and downed communications lines, and relief aircraft were delivering aid and supplies to the hard-hit district of Central Tapanuli in North Sumatra province and elsewhere in the region. Rescue efforts were also hampered by damaged bridges and roads and a lack of heavy equipment.