Torrential rains trigger deadly floods and landslides in Sumatra
At least 10 people were killed and six reported missing after torrential rains triggered floods and landslides across North Sumatra. Rescuers face harsh weather and unstable ground while evacuation orders were issued for high-risk areas.
- Torrential rains triggered deadly flash floods and landslides across six regencies in North Sumatra, killing at least 10 and leaving six missing.
- Sibolga and Central Tapanuli were among the worst-hit areas, with homes destroyed, thousands of houses flooded, and access roads blocked.
- Rescue efforts are hampered by bad weather and unstable terrain, while authorities warn of further landslides amid ongoing heavy rain.
INDONESIA: At least 10 people have been killed and six others remain missing after days of torrential monsoon rains unleashed flash floods and landslides across Indonesia’s Sumatra island, authorities said on Wednesday (26 Nov).
Rescuers Struggle to Reach Hard-Hit Areas
Rescue teams are facing major challenges reaching six affected regencies in North Sumatra province after rivers overflowed and torrents of mud, rocks and uprooted trees swept through hilly villages.
In the worst-hit city of Sibolga, rescuers recovered five bodies and found three injured survivors, while efforts continue to locate four missing villagers, according to the National Police.
Entire Family Killed in Central Tapanuli
In neighbouring Central Tapanuli, landslides crushed several homes, killing a family of four, while floods submerged nearly 2,000 houses and buildings.
Floods and landslides also uprooted trees that killed one person and injured another in South Tapanuli, destroyed a bridge in Mandailing Natal, and submerged 470 houses.
On Nias island, a main road remained blocked by mud and debris.
Videos Show Sudden Surges of Water
Footage circulating on social media shows water cascading down rooftops as residents scramble for safety. In some areas, flash floods rose rapidly, turning streets into violent currents carrying tree trunks and debris.
Authorities Warn of Further Landslides
Sibolga police chief Eddy Inganta said emergency shelters have been set up, urging residents in high-risk zones to evacuate immediately.
Six landslides in the hilly city have already flattened 17 houses and a café.
“Bad weather and mudslides hampered the rescue operation,” Inganta said, noting that access remains extremely limited.
Separate Deadly Landslides in Central Java
The disaster struck on the same day Indonesia’s disaster agency declared an official end to relief operations in two regions of Central Java, where landslides triggered by heavy rains earlier killed 38 people.
More than 1,000 rescue workers had been deployed over 10 days to search for those buried.
At the close of operations, two people in Cilacap and 11 in Banjarnegara remained missing due to unstable ground and dangerous conditions.
Seasonal Rains Bring Annual Flood Risks
Indonesia’s October–March rainy season regularly causes major floods and landslides across the archipelago, where millions live in mountainous terrain or near fertile but flood-prone plains.
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