Flash floods and multiple landslides triggered by continuous heavy rains have claimed at least 10 lives and left six people missing across North Sumatra province, Indonesia, with rescue efforts hampered by difficult access and warnings of further destruction.
Heavy monsoon rains have inundated the region for the past week, causing rivers to overflow rapidly into communities. Rescue teams are struggling to reach affected areas across six districts in North Sumatra.
Sibolga city is among the hardest-hit locations. Authorities have recovered at least five bodies and rescued three injured individuals there. Four people remain missing in Sibolga.
The Sibolga Police Chief announced the establishment of emergency shelters. He also warned residents in high-risk zones to evacuate immediately due to the persistent rainfall.
Officials fear continuous rain could trigger additional landslides. The area has already experienced up to six landslides, destroying 17 homes and a coffee shop.
Indonesia regularly contends with severe floods and landslides during its rainy season, which typically runs from October to March.
The archipelago nation, comprised of over 17,000 islands, has a large population residing in mountainous and river basin regions, making these communities highly vulnerable to natural disasters.