Death toll from floods in Indonesia rises amid devastating cyclone

(Patria) - The death toll from floods and landslides following cyclonic rains on the Indonesian island of Sumatra has risen to 303, the head of the national disaster mitigation agency said on Saturday, compared to the previous figure of 174 dead, Reuters reported.

Large parts of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand have been hit by torrential rains caused by cyclones for a week, and a rare tropical storm has formed in the Strait of Malacca.

At least 279 people are still missing, although around 80,000 people have been evacuated, and hundreds are still stranded in three provinces across the island of Sumatra, Indonesia's westernmost region, agency chief Suharyanto told reporters.

Intervention teams used helicopters to deliver aid and for logistics in the northern part of the island, which was the hardest hit, with roads cut off and communication infrastructure destroyed due to landslides.

"We are trying to open a route from North Tapanuli to Sibolga (in North Sumatra province), which has been the most cut off for three days," he said.

He added that rescue forces are trying to break through the road blockade caused by the landslide, and that people are trapped on a section of the road and need help. Military presence will be increased on Sunday to assist in relief efforts, he said.

He added that people affected by the rain tried to loot supplies in the Central Tapanuli area, which was severely affected.

Across the Strait of Malacca in Thailand, the death toll from floods in the southern part of the country has risen to 162, government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said on Saturday, compared to the previous figure of 145.