The disaster unfolded early on January 5, 2026, when days of heavy rain caused rivers and streams to overflow. The sudden rush of water, mixed with mud, rocks, and debris, roared down hillsides and into villages on Siau Island, a small volcanic island located about 130 kilometres off the northern tip of Sulawesi.
Emergency crews, supported by Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), along with police and military personnel, were deployed to the hardest-hit areas. Access to some of these villages has been difficult due to damaged roads and disrupted communications, hampering search efforts. As waters receded on January 6, rescuers recovered the bodies of 16 victims while continuing the search for at least three more people still missing in areas where entire neighbourhoods were inundated.
Authorities have declared a 14-day emergency response period to speed up relief and recovery efforts, providing food, shelter, and medical support to those affected by the flooding.
The floods caused significant structural damage across the region. At least seven houses were completely washed away, while more than 140 homes suffered varying degrees of damage, ranging from moderate to severe. Over 680 residents have been forced into temporary shelters in churches and public buildings.
Initial medical evaluations have identified multiple injuries, and emergency teams are working to evacuate vulnerable residents to safer areas. Local authorities are also working to clear blocked roads and restore access to isolated communities.
Officials have warned residents to remain alert, as further rainfall could spark additional flooding or landslides in the already affected region. The government has mobilised heavy equipment and relief supplies to address the damage caused by the floods.
This tragic event follows a broader pattern of extreme weather in Indonesia, which has seen catastrophic floods and landslides in other areas, such as Sumatra, earlier in December 2025. The ongoing challenges posed by monsoon rains and insufficient infrastructure in remote regions continue to exacerbate the country's vulnerability to such natural disasters.
Rania Umutoni
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/flash-floods-in-indonesia-kill-at-least-16-displace-hundreds
