Medan, Indonesia – Torrential monsoon rains have triggered devastating flash floods and landslides across Indonesia’s Sumatra island, killing at least 17 people and leaving six others missing, authorities reported on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

The disasters struck multiple regencies in North Sumatra province, with rivers overflowing their banks and sending torrents of mud, rocks, and debris through hilly villages. The floods and landslides have destroyed homes, uprooted trees, and damaged key infrastructure, including bridges and main roads, complicating rescue efforts.

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Worst-Hit Areas and Casualties

In the city of Sibolga, rescue teams recovered five bodies and aided three injured residents, while searching for four missing villagers. Landslides in Central Tapanuli destroyed several homes, killing at least a family of four and submerging nearly 2,000 houses.

Meanwhile, in South Tapanuli district, rescuers recovered seven additional bodies, bringing the death toll in that area to eight. Approximately 2,800 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters, and 58 people sustained injuries.

North Tapanuli district also suffered significant damage, with landslides affecting 50 houses and destroying two main bridges. In Mandailing Natal, floods cut off access to a bridge, submerging hundreds of homes and isolating communities, while Padang Sidempuan city experienced similar disruptions.

Videos circulating on social media show water cascading down rooftops and streets turning into raging torrents carrying tree trunks and debris, highlighting the sudden and destructive nature of the floods.

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Emergency Response Efforts

The Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) have deployed hundreds of rescuers and emergency personnel to affected areas. Emergency shelters were established, and authorities urged residents in high-risk zones to evacuate immediately.

Sibolga police chief Eddy Inganta warned that continued rainfall could trigger additional landslides, noting that six landslides in the hilly city alone had flattened 17 houses and a café. Rescue operations have been hampered by harsh weather conditions and unstable terrain, making access to certain areas extremely difficult.

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Seasonal Floods in Indonesia

Indonesia frequently experiences heavy rainfall from October through March, which often results in floods and landslides across its 17,000 islands. Millions of people live in mountainous regions or floodplains, making them highly vulnerable to such natural disasters.

This latest disaster in Sumatra coincides with the recent end of relief operations in Central Java, where 38 people died and dozens remain missing due to landslides triggered by torrential rains. The Indonesian government continues to monitor flood-prone regions and has urged citizens to remain vigilant during the monsoon season.

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Key Takeaways

• At least 17 dead and six missing due to Sumatra landslides and flash floods.
• Tens of thousands of residents affected across Sibolga, Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, and North Tapanuli.
• Heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow, destroying homes, bridges, and infrastructure.
• Rescuers face dangerous conditions due to mudslides, debris, and ongoing rains.
• Seasonal monsoon rains from October to March heighten the risk of floods and landslides across Indonesia.