Frustration grows over slow disaster response

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Frustration grows over slow disaster response
Photo: Binsar Bakkara/AP/TT

More than 1,400 people have died in catastrophic floods and landslides in parts of Asia last week, with criticism growing in Indonesia over what is perceived as a slow rescue effort.

Indonesia has been hardest hit by the floods and landslides, with over 800 dead. 650 people are still missing and hundreds of thousands of people have been forced from their homes in the country. Sri Lanka has reported 465 deaths, Thailand over 260 and Malaysia has confirmed three deaths.

Efforts to reach cut-off areas continue. Many people are still missing and villages are under mud and rubble, while power outages are prevalent in many areas. Roads have been washed away, bridges have collapsed and landslides continue.

In Indonesia, frustration is growing among survivors. Reinaro Waruwu managed to escape the flood while his neighbors were left behind. At an evacuation center in Padan, he expresses disappointment with the government's efforts.

"I'm frustrated, I don't need to say it twice. The reaction wasn't quick," he says.

Some waited a day and night before receiving help, so they could not be saved.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers

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