Severe monsoon rains have triggered widespread flooding and landslides across Indonesia’s Sumatra island, leaving at least 10 people dead and many others missing, according to regional authorities. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as emergency teams race against time to reach isolated communities still cut off by damaged infrastructure and dangerous weather conditions.

Heavy Rains Trigger Widespread Destruction in North Sumatra

Days of relentless downpours beginning Monday caused rivers in several districts of North Sumatra to overflow. Fast-moving floodwaters swept through six regencies, carrying mud, rocks, and uprooted trees into residential areas. Officials report that the flooding struck with little warning, overwhelming entire neighbourhoods.

In the coastal city of Sibolga, the hardest-hit area, rescue workers have recovered five bodies and located three injured survivors. Search teams continue working to locate at least four missing residents, though the effort is hindered by unstable slopes, debris, and ongoing rainfall.

Homes Buried and Communities Cut Off

In Central Tapanuli, landslides destroyed several homes, killing at least four members of one family. Floodwaters submerged nearly 2,000 houses, schools, and public facilities, leaving thousands displaced. Further south in South Tapanuli, falling trees and fast-moving floodwaters caused additional casualties, killing one resident and injuring another.

A major bridge in Mandailing Natal collapsed under the force of the water, severing access to multiple communities and forcing residents to rely on emergency evacuation routes. In Nias island, mudslides blocked key roads, slowing the delivery of aid and complicating rescue efforts.

Rescuers Struggle With Dangerous Conditions

Local police and emergency personnel report extremely difficult working conditions. Videos shared online show terrifying scenes of floodwaters surging over rooftops as families flee to higher ground. Streets were transformed into violent currents, carrying fallen trees, household debris, and broken structures.

Authorities have established emergency shelters across Sibolga and nearby districts. Sibolga Police Chief Eddy Inganta warned residents living near steep or unstable terrain to evacuate immediately, emphasizing that six separate landslides have already destroyed 17 houses and a café.

“Bad weather and mudslides continue to hamper rescue operations,” Inganta said, adding that ongoing heavy rain increases the risk of additional slope failures and flash floods.

Nationwide Disasters Continue

This disaster unfolded on the same day Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency concluded a 10-day search in two districts of Central Java, where earlier storms killed 38 people. More than 1,000 emergency responders were deployed, but unstable ground conditions and worsening weather forced authorities to end the search. At least 13 people remain missing in Cilacap and Banjarnegara.

Indonesia’s Annual Flooding Crisis

Indonesia faces recurring floods and landslides during the monsoon season, which typically lasts from October to March. Millions of residents live on fertile floodplains or along steep, landslide-prone hillsides, making the country highly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Climate change and rapid deforestation have further increased the frequency and intensity of flooding in recent years.

Local officials urge communities to remain vigilant, continue monitoring weather alerts, and prioritize safety as rainfall is expected to persist.