Indonesia counts human cost as more climate change warnings sounded

Indonesia reports 1,000 dead and close to 1 million displaced from rains as a report points at the threat posed by climate change and ecosystem decline across Asia.Published On 8 Dec 2025Nearly 1,000 people have been killed, and close to one million displaced, Indonesia has said a week after torrential rains triggered catastrophic floods and landslides.The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported late on Sunday that 961 people had been killed, with 234 people missing and about 5,000 injured across the Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra provinces.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4At least 1,250 people dead: What caused the devastating Asia floods?list 2 of 4More heavy rain slows Sri Lanka’s recovery after deadly cyclonelist 3 of 4Heavy rains hamper recovery as death toll from floods in Asia exceeds 1,750list 4 of 4Sri Lanka landslides feared as toll hits 618, widespread loss sweeps Asiaend of listThe agency also recorded damage to more than 156,000 homes, and 975,075 people had taken refuge in temporary shelters.Floodwaters have begun to recede in several coastal districts, although large areas in the central highlands are still cut off, BNPB said. However, heavy rain is forecast for parts of the island in the coming days, raising concerns for displaced people.Indonesia’s rainy season, which usually peaks between November and April, frequently brings severe flooding.Environmental groups and disaster specialists have warned for years that rapid deforestation, unregulated development and degraded river basins have increased the risks.Several other countries in Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka and Thailand, have been hit hard by storms and floods in recent weeks.Risk to billionsThe Asian Water Development Outlook 2025, published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday, warned that the impact of climate change on Asia’s water systems poses a risk to billions.The research said accelerating ecosystem decline and funding shortfalls for investment in critical water infrastructure threaten to plunge many in the sprawling region into water insecurity.