Tropical Cyclone Senyar triggered flash floods and landslides across Indonesia, causing widespread destruction and devastation.
Donate now to help provide urgent support for people with disabilities caught in this crisis.
Indonesia Tropical Cyclone Senyar Emergency Appeal
Bringing relief to families in Indonesia
In late November 2025, tropical Cyclone Senyar hit Indonesia, Southeast Asia, bringing catastrophic flooding and landslides.
The death toll in December reached over 1,000 people, and millions were displaced.
The floods hit three provinces of Indonesia: Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.
At least 1,170 people lost their lives, and over 7,000 were injured. More than 100,000 homes were destroyed, and thousands of roads, bridges and schools have been damaged.
When disasters like this strike, people with disabilities are often among the worst affected and the last to receive support.
People with disabilities are up to four times more likely to lose their lives as a result of a natural disaster. During a crisis, they often cannot escape quickly from danger, miss out on warnings, and lack access to emergency aid in the aftermath.
What we know
- 50 cities and districts across three provinces in Indonesia are affected.
- The government has declared emergency response status across Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.
- Flooding and landslides have left many areas isolated, as connecting roads and bridges have been destroyed.
- Food, power and fuel supplies have all been disrupted.
- Clean water, drinking water and women’s hygiene supplies are limited.
- Accessible emergency shelters are very limited for people with disabilities.
Our response
Immediately after a disaster, our Emergency Response specialists and local partners work together to assess the situation. They identify people who are most affected, meeting their immediate needs of food, water and medical supplies.
As well as medical outreach, your support will help provide access to mental health support, cash assistance, and training for healthcare workers on psychological first aid to support people in local regions.
You can help make sure nobody is left behind.
Thousands of lives have been impacted
Kaisa
Kaisa, aged ten, has Down’s syndrome and a congenital heart condition. When the flooding occurred, Kaisa and her family had to be evacuated. Kaisa’s home was severely affected by water and mud, making it impossible to live in.
Kaisa needs monthly heart medication. This became unavailable during the emergency because of the lack of health services able to reach remote areas.
On top of this, Kaisa was scheduled to have a medical check-up for her heart condition on the day of the cyclone. Because of the flooding, the appointment could not take place.
Nahar
Nahar, aged twelve, from Aceh Province, lived with his mother and siblings before the disaster. Nahar was born with a cognitive disability, which made it difficult for him to concentrate and socialise. Nahar was attending a school for students with special needs.
When severe flooding swept through their village, water destroyed homes, including Nahar’s. Nahar’s house is pictured with flood water surrounding the area. As a result, his house is now uninhabitable. Nahar and his family had no choice but to flee to a temporary shelter.
For Nahar, this was more than just losing a home, it meant leaving behind the familiar environment he relied on. Now, in the crowded emergency shelter, his family struggles to provide comfort and stability amid the uncertainty.
Pak
Pak, aged 60, lives in the North Aceh Province. He has a physical disability as a result of having his leg amputated due to diabetes. He also has a visual impairment and mild hearing loss.
When the disaster struck, Pak was forced to evacuate with limited assistive devices. His home was swept away by flooding and he was forced to take refuge with his two nephews in a local shelter.
At the shelter, access to clean water is limited and the toilets are not accessible. As a result, Pak urgently needs assistive devices to support his mobility.
How you can help people affected by the tropical Cyclone Senyar crisis
You can make an immediate difference today. Together with local partner YAKKUM Emergency Unit, CBM has been providing emergency medical outreach.
Donate now and support the provision of life-saving essentials to those devastated by the flooding and landslides. Please help people with disabilities to access vital, life-saving services.
Every moment counts. Will you make an urgent gift today?
Image copyright: ©Erlin Malinda
Donations will be prioritised for our emergency response in Indonesia. Surplus donations will go wherever the need is greatest.
Sources:
https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2026/1/6/deadly-floods-devastate-indonesia-leaving-families-displaced-and-homeless
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclone_Senyar
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqjgydnwxrpo