Fourteen killed in Indonesia’s devastating floods

At least 14 people have lost their lives following sudden and severe flooding on Siau Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The torrential downpour, which began in the early hours of Monday, 5 January, has also left four people missing, according to the local disaster response authorities. A specialised 16-member search and rescue team has been deployed to locate the missing individuals.

Nuriyadin Gumeleng, a spokesperson for the rescue agency, confirmed that 18 people have sustained serious injuries in the disaster. Rescue operations have been hampered by the widespread debris, including fallen trees, rocks, and thick layers of mud covering the main roads in the affected area. Heavy excavators have been mobilised to clear the mud and debris to facilitate the relief efforts.

The Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) reported that at least 444 residents who lost their homes have been evacuated to temporary shelters set up in local schools and churches. North Sulawesi Governor, Yulius Selvanus, stated that several hundred houses, along with a number of government buildings, have been either completely or partially destroyed by the flooding.

Meteorologists have warned that the extreme weather could continue in the coming days, with heavy rainfall and potential flooding expected not only in Sulawesi but also on the islands of Java, Maluku, and Papua.

Environmental groups have highlighted that such disasters are becoming increasingly severe due to deforestation and extensive mining activities, which reduce the land’s natural resilience against floods and landslides. A stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability, November last year saw over a thousand deaths in Sumatra following cyclone-induced flooding and landslides.

Flooding in Indonesia is particularly frequent during January and February, which constitute the peak of the rainy season in the region. Authorities are urging residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders promptly.

Summary of Impact – Siau Island Floods (January 2026)

The tragedy on Siau Island underscores the growing threat of natural disasters in Indonesia, exacerbated by environmental degradation, and serves as a warning for the need for robust disaster preparedness and sustainable land management practices.