Floods and landslides in Indonesia have killed over 1,000 people, with 218 still missing and 1.2 million displaced, straining national relief efforts.
JAKARTA: The death toll from devastating floods and landslides in Indonesia has risen to 1,003.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency confirmed the figure on Saturday, with more than 5,400 people injured.
The disaster has struck the northwestern island of Sumatra over the past two weeks.
It ranks among the worst recent catastrophes to hit the region since the 2004 Aceh tsunami.
Rescuers expect the final toll to climb, with 218 people still reported missing.
Vast areas have been inundated, forcing 1.2 million residents into temporary shelters.
Frustration is mounting among victims over the perceived pace of relief operations.
President Prabowo Subianto said the situation had improved during a visit to Langkat in North Sumatra.
“Here and there, due to natural and physical conditions, there have been slight delays,” he stated.
Prabowo added that conditions at evacuation sites were good, with adequate services and sufficient food supplies.
The government estimates rebuilding costs could reach 51.82 trillion rupiah (USD 3.1 billion).
Indonesian authorities have so far declined to call for international assistance.
