Floods in Indonesia leave hospitals overwhelmed and communities isolated

Residents in Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia, are facing rising diseases and limited medical care after cyclone-driven floods and landslides destroyed homes and infrastructure.

Government data shows 940 people have died and 276 remain missing. The disaster hit three provinces on Sumatra island, including Aceh.

The health ministry warned that diarrhoea, fever and muscle pain are spreading because “the environment and places of stay have not recovered post-disaster.”

At Aceh Tamiang’s only hospital, staff and patients described chaotic conditions. Equipment was covered in mud, syringes scattered, and medicines washed away by floodwaters.

“These workers do not know what tired means,” said Ayu Wahyuni Putri, who had recently given birth.

Nurhayati, a 42-year-old nurse, said shortages had nearly paralysed the hospital. Staff tried to save ventilators in the baby intensive care unit, but rising water destroyed them. One infant died and six survived.

“People know me as a nurse. When I couldn’t do something, it felt devastating. I can only give the available medicine. This is an extraordinary disaster. Everything is destroyed,” she said.

Ruined bridges made it almost impossible for medical workers to reach remote communities, said Dr Chik M. Iqbal, who travelled by boat to provide care. Emergency rooms are expected to reopen fully on Monday.

The health ministry said 31 hospitals and 156 smaller health centres across the three provinces were affected.

President Prabowo Subianto visited Aceh on Sunday, ordering repairs to bridges and dams, and cancelling state-backed microloans for farmers. Local officials have urged Jakarta to declare a national emergency to release extra funds for rescue and relief operations.

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Indonesiafloods healthcrisis Aceh