Disaster Recovery
Aceh Tamiang village devastated by floods; President pledges full rebuild
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Nearly 80 percent of homes in Desa Kota Lintang Bawah, Aceh Tamiang, were destroyed by the late November 2025 Sumatra flash floods. As recovery continues from the disaster that killed over 1,000, President Prabowo Subianto vows to replace all swept-away or severely damaged houses, with daily aid shipments and military cleanup efforts underway.
Hanako Ukon, born in Kobe three days after the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, became a symbol of hope that later connected people to the recovery of Tohoku following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Inspired by her name's meaning, she co-founded an initiative to share the region's appeal through food events. The project has run for 12 years, involving about 6,000 participants.
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One year after devastating wildfires destroyed 13,000 homes in Los Angeles County, only seven have been rebuilt. The 2025 blazes, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, killed at least 31 people and caused up to $275 billion in economic damage. Despite efforts to speed up permitting, challenges like toxic cleanup, labor shortages, and regulatory hurdles continue to slow recovery.
Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm to hit Jamaica in recorded history, devastated the island as a Category 5 hurricane last week, killing 32 people and causing billions in damage. The storm's aftermath has tested Jamaica's multi-layered financial resilience plan, including a $150 million catastrophe bond that will now pay out in full. Experts highlight the country's preparations as a potential model for other vulnerable nations amid worsening climate-driven disasters.
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India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyan Jaishankar announced the shipment of humanitarian aid to Cuba and Jamaica. The assistance aims to support recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. The announcement was made from New Delhi on November 4.