A Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) was found dead after flash floods struck Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh. The carcass was discovered in Meunasah Lhok Village, Meureudu District, on Saturday (29 November).
The location was isolated by the overflowing Meureudu River, leaving residents to reach the area only on foot after a two-hour walk.
The elephant was found trapped between large pieces of forest wood and mud. Half of its body was submerged, and its head was positioned downward. Local residents reported that elephants had never previously entered the village.
“Elephants have never been seen in this village. They usually stay in the forest. This is the first time we’ve seen an elephant die in a flood,” said Muhammad Yunus, a resident of Meunasah Lhok.
Residents struggled to retrieve the carcass because of the terrain, deep mud, and lack of equipment. According to community accounts, the animal was likely swept downstream from the upper watershed before it became lodged between the wood debris.
“We were also surprised that so much forest wood was carried here. I’ve never seen wood this big,” Yunus added.
The Deputy Regent of Pidie Jaya, Hasan Basri, confirmed he had received a report on the discovery. He said he could not yet determine whether the large logs found at the site were linked to upstream forest damage.
“So far, I don’t know the conditions on the mountain. Whether these logs were the result of logging or not, we don’t know yet. God willing, we will check the condition of the forest,” Basri stated.
As of Saturday afternoon, the elephant carcass remained trapped under flood residue and had begun to emit a strong odour. Local authorities were assessing options to remove it once conditions improved.
@antara_tv Warga menemukan bangkai Gajah Sumatera yang terbawa arus saat banjir bandang melanda kawasan Meureudue, kabupaten Pidie Jaya, Aceh. Gajah berusia dewasa ditemukan terjepit di antara puing-puing kayu. Salah seorang warga, M. Yunus menjelaskan, bangkai gajah tersebut belum dapat dievakuasi lantaran alat berat belum mampu menembus lokasi temuan. #banjiraceh #aceh #infoaceh #infoterkini #beritaterkini ♬ original sound – Antara TV Indonesia
Flood Death Toll in Sumatra Reaches 442; Over 400 Still Missing
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that 442 people have died in flooding across North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh as of Sunday (30 November). A further 402 individuals remain missing across the three provinces. The figures were presented in a press release by BNPB Head Suharyanto.
In North Sumatra, 217 deaths have been recorded across Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, Sibolga City, North Tapanuli, Humbang Hasundutan, West Pakpak, Padang Sidempuan City, Deli Serdang, and Nias. The number of missing persons has risen to 209.
“The death toll in North Sumatra is 217, with 209 still missing,” Suharyanto said, as reported by Kompas.com.
“The number of missing people has increased to 209 after many reported missing family members to officers at each regional command post,” added Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre.
In West Sumatra, 129 deaths, 118 missing persons, and 16 injuries were recorded. Casualties were reported in Agam Regency, Padang Panjang City, Padang City, Padang Pariaman, Tanah Datar, West Pasaman, Pasaman, Solok, Solok City, and Pesisir Selatan Regency.
“The death toll is 129, followed by 118 missing and 16 injured,” Suharyanto stated.
A total of 11,820 families, or 77,918 people, have been displaced across the province.
In Aceh, 96 deaths and 75 missing persons have been recorded across Bener Meriah, Central Aceh, Pidie Jaya, Bireuen, Southeast Aceh, North Aceh, East Aceh, Lhokseumawe, Gayo Lues, Subulussalam, and Nagan Raya.
“Aceh has seen 96 deaths, and 75 people are missing. This is across 11 districts and cities,” Suharyanto said.
BNPB teams and regional authorities continue search efforts and evacuation across affected areas as weather conditions fluctuate.
Cover: Photo by Long Bà Mùi/Pexels
