A series of flash floods and landslides in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province has resulted in at least 16 confirmed deaths, with three individuals still missing as of Tuesday. The disaster struck the Sitaro Islands Regency early Monday morning, around 2:30 a.m. local time, following prolonged heavy rainfall.
Impact on Communities
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reports that at least 148 homes across four districts have been impacted. Seven homes were completely destroyed, 29 suffered severe damage, and an additional 112 sustained lighter damage. Currently, approximately 682 residents are sheltering in temporary accommodations.
Twenty-two people were injured in the disaster and have received medical attention at nearby health facilities, according to Abdul Muhari, head of BNPB’s Data and Information Center. Emergency response is a collaborative effort involving disaster management agencies, search and rescue teams, the military, police, and volunteers.
Emergency Response and Outlook
Local authorities have declared a 14-day emergency response period, beginning January 5th and extending to January 18th. Residents have been advised to remain alert to the possibility of further extreme weather events. A possible next step for authorities could be assessing the long-term housing needs of those displaced by the disaster.
Continued rainfall could hamper search efforts for the three missing individuals and potentially trigger further landslides in the affected region. It is likely that the focus will remain on providing immediate aid to those displaced and ensuring their safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the disaster begin?
The flash floods and landslides began early Monday morning, around 2:30 a.m. local time, following hours of torrential rain.
How many people have been affected?
At least 148 houses across four districts were affected, impacting hundreds of residents. 22 people were injured, and 682 are currently staying in temporary shelters.
What is the duration of the declared emergency?
Local authorities have declared a 14-day emergency response period, from January 5th to January 18th.
How will communities in North Sulawesi rebuild after such devastating losses?
