Canada updates travel advisory for major tourist destination in Southeast Asia

If you're travelling from Canada to Indonesia, a travel advisory update is warning tourists of a serious safety risk.

In the newest travel advisory update issued by the Government of Canada, Canadians are advised to be extra cautious when travelling to certain parts of Indonesia. On Nov. 27, the government warned of flooding and landslides in North Sumatra.

"Heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding and landslides across North Sumatra, especially in Lake Toba and mountainous districts," reads the statement.

"Rainstorms have resulted in flash floods, significant damage to homes and infrastructure, as well as casualties."

Getting in and out of the region could also be hugely affected as roadways may be blocked by landslides and floodwater. Transportation services have also been suspended by local authorities due to unsafe conditions and debris from landslides.

Canadians who find themselves in the affected area are urged to move to higher ground and away from rivers and low-lying areas. It's also essential to monitor local news and weather reports, as well as follow instructions from local authorities. If you have an upcoming flight, make sure to confirm it before going to the airport.

Al Jazeera reports that the floods and landslides were due to a tropical storm system and monsoon rains. And its impact has been deadly: the death toll in the island of Sumatra rose to 174, and 80 people are still unaccounted for.

The storm has been extremely destructive, hitting homes, dragging vehicles, and destroying infrastructure, according to Indonesia's National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure/Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB). Floodwater also carried mud, tree trunks, building debris, and household waste.

The northern region is known for several tourist attractions, such as Mount Sibayak, Sipiso-piso Waterfall, and Gunung Leuser National Park, which is known for its orangutans.

The Southeast Asian region has been repeatedly slammed with storms. On Nov. 24, Canadians travelling to nearby Thailand were urged to be careful after a "once in a 300-year" storm slammed the southern region, killing at least 145 people.

Canadians travelling internationally can sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA). The free and confidential service notifies citizens outside the country of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.