Jakarta: Indonesia is recovering from deadly floods that killed over 700 people, with experts blaming widespread deforestation for worsening the disaster. Forest loss, driven by timber extraction and palm oil farming, left land unstable and prone to erosion.

According to France24.com, the extensive deforestation in Indonesia has significantly contributed to the severity of recent flooding. The removal of vast forested areas has destabilized the land, making it more susceptible to erosion and reducing its capacity to absorb heavy rainfall. This environmental degradation has exacerbated the impact of the floods, leading to a catastrophic loss of life and damage to property.

Local communities and environmentalists have raised concerns over the rapid expansion of palm oil plantations and timber extraction activities, which they say are responsible for the widespread deforestation. These practices not only threaten biodiversity but also leave the soil exposed and vulnerable to natural disasters.

Authorities in Indonesia are now faced with the challenge of addressing the aftermath of the floods while also implementing measures to prevent similar disasters in the future. Reforestation efforts and stricter regulations on land use are being considered as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the effects of deforestation and enhance the country’s resilience to environmental challenges.