Authorities in Indonesia have turned to an extraordinary source of help as they work to recover from devastating floods: trained elephants. Four elephants have been deployed to assist with clearing debris, opening access roads, and helping residents whose homes were damaged or blocked by floodwaters.  

Hadi Sofyan, head of the Sigli Regional Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), said the elephants are proving invaluable in areas where heavy machinery cannot easily operate. Their strength and maneuverability allow them to remove fallen trees, transport debris, and create pathways for emergency crews.  

The animals are currently supporting recovery operations in Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh, where widespread flooding has disrupted transportation routes and complicated rescue and aid distribution efforts. Officials say the elephants will continue assisting with evacuations and relief work until 14 December.  

The deployment highlights Indonesia’s long history of working with trained elephants for environmental and emergency tasks, offering a unique and effective solution in disaster-hit regions where conventional equipment struggles to reach.