Indonesia: Heavy rains trigger floods in Sulawesi; 16 dead, destroy over 140 homes

​​National Disaster Management Agency spokesman Abdul Muhari said that rivers overflowed their banks on Monday morning after several days of monsoon rains.

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal

Updated : 6 January 2026, 5:04 PM IST

Deadly floods in Sulawesi kill 16

Jakarta: Sixteen people have died in floods caused by torrential rains in Indonesia's North Sulawesi province, officials said on Tuesday. ​​National Disaster Management Agency spokesman Abdul Muhari said that rivers overflowed their banks on Monday morning after several days of monsoon rains.

Rescue teams sent to affected villages
The resulting torrent of mud, rocks, and debris swept through the Siau Tagulandang Biaro district, carrying away people and inundating several villages.

Emergency rescue teams, assisted by police and military personnel, were dispatched to four badly affected villages on Siau Island. The small island is located about 130 kilometers from the northern tip of Sulawesi Island.

Muhari said that damaged roads and disrupted communication systems made access difficult in several areas.

Seven houses swept away and more than 140 houses damaged
He said that the strong currents from the hills completely swept away seven houses and damaged more than 140 others. More than 680 people were forced to take refuge in temporary relief camps set up in churches and public buildings.

Rescuers recover 16 bodies
After the weather improved and floodwaters receded, rescuers recovered 16 bodies on Tuesday. Nuriyadian Gumeleng, a spokesman for the North Sulawesi Search and Rescue Office, said that the search continues for three other missing people in areas that were completely submerged.

The head of Sitaro district, Cynthia Ingrid Kalangit, declared a 14-day state of emergency starting Monday to expedite the delivery of relief supplies, evacuation of people, and repair of infrastructure.

Twenty-five people were also injured in the floods. Kalangit said, "We have appealed to people to remain vigilant, as further rainfall could increase the risk of more flooding or landslides."

He added that heavy machinery and relief supplies have been sent by the provincial government.

Severe floods hit in December, affecting 52 cities
According to the National Disaster Management Agency, severe floods and landslides in December on Sumatra, Indonesia's largest island, affected 52 cities and districts.

So far, 1,178 people have died, more than 7,000 have been injured, and 148 people were still reported missing as of Tuesday.