MONOMAD: Natural Destruction in Black and White
The Sumatra floods that struck the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in late 2025 still leave scars. The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that 1,198 people died, with the highest number in Aceh. The death toll is likely to continue to rise, even though more than a month has passed since the floods and landslides.
As of January 16, 2026, 166,579 people were still living in evacuation centers with limited facilities. They experienced frequent power outages, lacked drinking water, food, and sanitation, and suffered from various diseases. Their lives were far from comfortable.
The life and hope were shattered by the disaster. Even more than a month after the floods, life has not improved. Damage is visible everywhere.
One of the most affected districts in Aceh is Aceh Tamiang. Even on the Medan-Banda Aceh road, part of the Trans-Sumatra highway, the damage is still visible. Housing, offices, scholls, vehicles, and various public facilities remain devastated.
Many argue that this flood is more devastating than the 9.5-magnitude earthquake and tsunami of December 26, 2004. This statement is supported by the tsunami, which only hit residential areas with seawater for a brief moment, then receded.
However, the flood left behind thick mud that was difficult to remove.
In this #monomad photo parade, I showcase some of the areas of devastation caused by the flood. I took this black-and-white photo with a Canon D-100 from the side of the road.
The dust is still floating, and the smell of disaster is still thick. Being outside for extended periods can be detrimental to your health. I was only there for a few minutes. Imagine the flood victims living there, amidst the dire conditions.[]
