On the island of Sumatra, heavy rains have caused a sharp rise in river levels, leading to devastating consequences: 470 houses have been flooded, villages destroyed, and a bridge in the northern district has been destroyed.
The city of Sibolga has been the hardest hit, where five people have died and three have been injured. Rescue services continue to search for four missing residents. In the neighboring Central Tapanuli district, four people have also fallen victim to the floods. About two thousand houses and buildings have also been submerged.
In South Tapanuli, fallen trees caused the death of one person and injured another. The main road on Nias Island is blocked by mud and debris.
Police Chief Eddie Inganta reported that temporary shelters have been opened for the affected in Sibolga. Authorities are warning of possible new landslides and urging residents of at-risk areas to evacuate immediately. Six landslides have occurred in the hilly areas of the city, destroying 17 houses and one café.
"Adverse weather conditions and mudslides significantly complicate the work of rescuers," noted Inganta.
Seasonal rains, which continue from October to March, often lead to floods and landslides in this archipelago of 17,000 islands, where many people live.
