Java, Indonesia – Indonesian authorities have declared a humanitarian disaster in North Kelibae. This follows flash floods on Siau Island that have claimed the lives of at least 14 people, while rescue teams race against time to search for those missing under the rubble and debris.
Casualty figures and rescue operations
The spokesperson for the regional search and rescue service, Nuriatin Gumeling, confirmed that heavy rains that fell early this morning caused widespread flooding. The initial death toll is 14, with 18 others injured. A search is still underway for four missing people by teams of 16 specialized rescuers.
Gomeling stated that authorities are continuing to collect data from local residents, amid concerns that the number of missing persons may be rising. These concerns arise as field surveys continue.
Widespread destruction and displacement of hundreds of families
For his part, the governor of North Kilibea, Julius Silvanus, revealed that the floods had completely or partially destroyed hundreds of homes and public buildings. Abdul Mahari, a spokesperson for the disaster management agency, explained that at least 444 people had been evacuated and were being temporarily housed in local schools and churches.
As for infrastructure, the area was completely paralyzed by traffic after the main roads were closed. This was due to the accumulation of rocks and mudslides, which necessitated the deployment of heavy construction equipment to try to clear the vital routes.
Climate and Environment: A Bloody Rainy Season
These floods come at the height of the rainy season, according to the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The incident is reminiscent of the tragedy on the island of Sumatra last November, when a cyclone and floods killed more than a thousand people.
Environmental groups point out that deforestation caused by logging and illegal mining directly contributes to the worsening effects of these natural disasters, as the land lacks the vegetation cover needed to absorb heavy rainfall.
