Bogor, W Java, Nov. 27 -- Indonesia awoke this week to scenes of devastation across Sumatra, where days of relentless rain triggered floods and landslides that killed residents, displaced tens of thousands, and forced entire districts into states of emergency.

In Aceh Province, authorities declared disaster status in 10 of its 23 districts and cities as rising waters forced 1,497 people to flee their homes by Wednesday afternoon. Two residents were confirmed dead.

Aceh's Disaster Management Agency reported that floods and landslides swept through the province between November 18 and 26, inundating wide areas and damaging essential infrastructure.

"Some 14,235 households, or 46,893 people, have been affected, and 1,497 individuals from ...