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Devastating flash floods and landslides in Aceh as death toll rises to 84 across Indonesia's Sumatra

Devastating flash floods and landslides in Aceh as death toll rises to 84 across Indonesia's Sumatra

"A deadly surge of flash floods and landslides has struck Indonesia’s Sumatra Island, leaving at least 84 dead, many missing, and thousands displaced. Heavy rainfall over three consecutive days led to flooding across 16 regencies and cities in Aceh, leading to at least nine deaths. Many residents were forced to evacuate as their homes were swept away, while several areas became isolated due to damaged or collapsed roads and bridges. Among the worst-hit locations is Pidie Jaya Regency, adjacent to the Krueng Meureudu River. Drone footage from Thursday shows a district in Aceh's Pidie Regency transformed into a landscape of muddy water, forcing thousands to seek higher ground. Images also depict submerged homes, destroyed infrastructure, stranded vehicles, and residents navigating through muddy streets. In some areas, mud levels reached up to 1.5 metres. In addition to significant property loss, the main bridge on the Banda Aceh–Medan route was destroyed, isolating the village from government assistance. Residents report that no aid has arrived, forcing those whose homes were destroyed to shelter with relatives. The community urgently calls for government assistance to establish emergency posts and distribute food, clothing, and clean water. Resident Zanah stated, "The rain has not stopped since Tuesday. By around 11 pm, people started running as the water began rising. On Wednesday, the situation intensified, and panic set in as the water rose quickly." Heri Yugiantoro, Head of the Aceh Transportation Agency, remarked, "We must prepare emergency bridges to handle the four collapsed bridges that have cut off access in Aceh—one on the western route, two on the central route, and one on the eastern route." He added, "We hope to resolve this issue by collaborating with the Army Combat Engineering Unit to build emergency bridges." He continued, "In addition to repairing the bridges, we need to relocate mud, clean drainage channels, and ensure that water on the roadway returns to the river as soon as possible.” Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the immediate deployment of aid to affected regions. According to data from the Aceh Disaster Management Agency, the regencies and cities most severely affected by the floods include North Aceh, Lhokseumawe, Bireuen, Central Aceh, Bener Meriah, Pidie, and Pidie Jaya, impacting a total of 33,817 households."

Air power on parade – Venezuela marks Bolivarian military aviation anniversary in Maracay amid Caribbean tensions

Air power on parade – Venezuela marks Bolivarian military aviation anniversary in Maracay amid Caribbean tensions

"Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez led ceremonies in Maracay on Thursday to celebrate the Bolivarian Military Aviation's 105th anniversary and the 33rd anniversary of the November 27, 1992 uprising known as the 'Heroic Feat.' Footage shows Lopez touring the Aeroindustrial Exhibition Venezuela, at El Libertador Air Base, where developments in Venezuelan military aviation and photographic material documenting the history of this sector in the country were on display. Later, the AMB carries out drills and aerial demonstrations. During the ceremony, Lopez said the country's military aviation remains central to Venezuela's 'comprehensive defence,' citing what the government views as US threats and attempts to undermine national sovereignty following recent incidents off the Caribbean coast. Washington has significantly bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean since September, in what it says is an effort to curb drug trafficking towards US shores.  Critics, including UN officials and human rights organisations, warn that any military action could constitute an unlawful use of force under international law.  Caracas repeatedly denied the allegations and urged Washington to halt its military actions in the Caribbean."