Indonesia declares state of emergency: 16 dead in Sulawesi floods

The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has officially declared a state of emergency in the Siau Islands, Tagulandang, and Sitaro regions of North Sulawesi province, following a devastating natural disaster: flash floods. The disaster has resulted in significant loss of life and property, with at least 16 deaths confirmed so far, and hundreds of residents displaced from their homes.

Details of the state of emergency declaration and government response

In a press statement in Jakarta, Abdul Mahari, head of the data and communication department at the National Agency, confirmed that local authorities have taken decisive steps to control the situation. He explained that the government has issued a decree activating the emergency climate disaster response, which will be in effect from January 5 to 18, 2026, based on the Sitaro Regency Head's Decree No. 1 of 2026.

This administrative decision is primarily aimed at giving the authorities the necessary powers to expedite rescue operations, facilitate the flow of logistical and financial aid to the disaster-stricken areas, and overcome bureaucratic obstacles that may delay the arrival of support to those affected in the first critical hours.

Casualty figures and search and rescue efforts

According to the latest data released by the agency as of yesterday afternoon, the joint emergency teams are continuing their work under difficult conditions. Official statistics recorded:

• Sixteen people died and their bodies were recovered.
• Five of the victims have been officially identified, and the rest are being verified.
• Three people are missing and the search for them continues under the rubble and in the flood channels.
• 682 displaced people were evacuated to temporary shelters and safer locations.

The geographical and climatic context of disasters in Indonesia

This incident once again highlights the environmental challenges facing Indonesia, the sprawling archipelago located in a tropical region that experiences heavy rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season. North Sulawesi province, with its mountainous terrain and rugged landscape, is among the areas most vulnerable to landslides and flash floods, which occur when the soil becomes saturated with water and natural drainage systems are unable to cope with the massive amounts of rain in a short period.

Indonesia frequently suffers from hydrometeorological (water-climate) disasters, which have been exacerbated in recent years by global climate change, as well as local factors such as deforestation that weaken the land's ability to absorb water, increasing the speed and force of flash floods.

The importance of rapid response and logistical challenges

Declaring a state of emergency is of paramount importance on remote islands like Sitaro, where logistics pose a significant challenge for rescue teams. Transporting heavy equipment, medical supplies, and food requires close coordination between sea and air transport, which is facilitated by the emergency law. The Indonesian government is currently prioritizing the search for the missing and providing essential needs such as shelter, food, and medicine to displaced people to prevent disease outbreaks in the evacuation centers.