North Sumatra

North Sumatra, a province in Indonesia, has recently experienced catastrophic floods and landslides, making it newsworthy. These disasters, occurring in late 2025 and early 2026, have resulted in significant loss of life, with over 1,000 deaths reported in Indonesia alone. The floods have displaced communities, leaving many homeless and struggling to recover. The events have been described as an "extinction-level disturbance" for the critically endangered Tapanuli orangutan, causing severe damage to its habitat. Deforestation is suspected to have worsened the scale of the disaster. The Indonesian government has filed lawsuits against six companies for environmental harm, seeking over $200 million in damages. Despite the devastation, residents are attempting to rebuild and maintain their spirits, as seen in the Christmas mass held in Aek Ngadol village. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters and the urgent need for effective environmental protection and disaster management strategies.