Tragedy unfolds in Indonesia as flash floods and mudslides in North Sulawesi push the fatalities to 16, while rescuers hunt for three missing persons. BNPB’s latest data highlights the scale of destruction from this natural calamity.
The onslaught began early Monday at 2:30 a.m. in Sitaro Islands, where nonstop rains swelled rivers to bursting point, inundating four districts. Residential toll: 148 structures hit, featuring seven total losses, 29 serious impairments, and 112 partial damages.
Waters receded later that day, but infrastructure woes linger with no electricity or telecom in key zones. Tuesday updates from BNPB’s Abdul Muhari note 22 injured receiving aid, and 682 evacuees in relief camps—108 from 35 families shifted to safety.
Five dwellings vanished in the deluge, alongside broken road links in East Siau-South East Siau areas. Indonesia’s monsoon hazards persist, prompting a 14-day emergency alert until January 18. Officials implore vigilance, as operations press on against potential further threats.