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Deadly Monsoon: At Least 17 Killed as Landslides and Floods Ravage Sumatra

04:18 AM, 11/27/2025
Deadly Monsoon: At Least 17 Killed as Landslides and Floods Ravage Sumatra

Intense monsoon rains in North Sumatra have caused landslides and floods that killed at least 17 people and left several others missing. Sibolga and districts across the Tapanuli region were among the hardest hit, with homes, bridges and nearly 2,000 buildings damaged. More than 2,800 people were displaced, and rescue efforts are being slowed by continued downpours, damaged roads and unstable slopes. Authorities warn further rain could worsen the situation and have urged residents to follow evacuation guidance.

Heavy rains trigger deadly landslides and floods across Sumatra

At least 17 people have died and several more are missing after intense monsoon rains unleashed landslides and flooding across parts of Indonesia’s Sumatra island. Ongoing downpours have battered multiple regencies, destroying homes, damaging infrastructure and complicating rescue operations.

Officials say the city of Sibolga and districts in the Tapanuli region were among the hardest hit. Police chief Eddy Inganta reported that five bodies were recovered in Sibolga, where 17 houses and a café were destroyed and three people were injured. Authorities have also reported four people missing in the area.

Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), said more than 2,800 people were displaced in South Tapanuli. Rescuers found seven bodies in that district and recorded 58 injuries. In North Tapanuli, landslides damaged roughly 50 homes and destroyed two main bridges, further isolating communities.

Central Tapanuli suffered heavy losses as well: local reports indicate four members of a single family were killed when landslides flattened several houses and floods affected nearly 2,000 buildings.

Separate reports indicate that people remain unaccounted for in other regions: two people are missing in Cilacap and 11 in Banjarnegara, adding to the mounting toll and the urgency of search operations.

"Rescue efforts have been hampered by bad weather and mudslides," Police Chief Eddy Inganta said, noting that damaged roads and unstable slopes make access to remote communities extremely difficult.

Responders continue to work under dangerous conditions as renewed rainfall threatens additional slides, flash floods and further damage to already weakened infrastructure. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to relocate to safer ground where possible and to follow official advisories.

Humanitarian and recovery needs: Emergency teams are prioritizing search-and-rescue, shelter for displaced families, medical support for the injured and repairs to key bridges and roads to restore access to isolated communities.

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