The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that the death toll from flash floods and landslides in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province has reached 16, with three individuals still missing. The disaster struck the Sitaro Islands Regency around 2:30 a.m. on Monday due to heavy rainfall causing river overflows. At least 148 houses in four districts were impacted, with seven destroyed, 29 severely damaged, and 112 lightly damaged.
Floodwaters have subsided, but electricity and telecommunications networks in the affected areas remain disrupted. Abdul Muhari, head of BNPB’s Data and Information Center, mentioned that 22 people were injured and are receiving treatment in nearby health facilities. Currently, 682 residents are housed in temporary shelters, with emergency response operations being conducted by various agencies, including search and rescue teams, the military, police, and volunteers.
Residents from affected areas have been evacuated to safer places, with preliminary data showing that 35 families, totaling 108 individuals, have been displaced. The disaster also led to the destruction of five houses and the disruption of road access between the East Siau and South East Siau sub-districts. Authorities have declared a 14-day emergency response period and advised residents to stay alert due to ongoing risks of severe weather conditions.
