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View all search resultsFlash floods in North Sulawesi kill at least 16, injure 18
BMKG has urged the public to remain vigilant in the face of extreme weather after detecting the formation of Cyclone Seed 91S in the southwestern Indian Ocean near Lampung on Monday.
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Rescue teams assisted by local residents conducted a search for flash flood victims on Jan. 5, 2026, in Sitim District, Sitaro Island, in North Sulawesi. At least 16 people were killed and 18 others injured after heavy rain triggered flash floods on the island. (Antara Foto/Stenly Rein Mes Gaghunting)
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t least 16 people were killed and 18 others injured after heavy rain triggered flash floods on Siau Island, in North Sulawesi in the early hours of Monday.
As of Tuesday, three people remained missing, while 682 residents displaced by the floods had taken refuge in local schools and churches. The flooding has also cut power and disrupted communications across the island.
Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), said the floods were caused by intense overnight rainfall, which caused rivers in Siau Island to overflow at around 2:30 a.m. local time.
“The flooding affected two villages and two hamlets across four districts, including East Siau, West Siau, Central Siau and Southwest Siau,” he said in a statement.
Abdul said the flash floods swept away seven homes, severely damaged 29 and caused minor damage to 112 others. Several roads were blocked, and some office buildings and infrastructure were also affected. Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of material losses.
"A joint team from the local disaster mitigation agency, the search and rescue unit, the military, the police and volunteers are working around the clock to search for those still missing, evacuate affected residents and provide emergency aid to those in temporary shelters," he added.
The local administration has declared a 14-day state of emergency, effective until Jan. 18, to accelerate disaster response and mitigation efforts.
