Flash Floods, Landslides Kill 10 in North Sumatra

Torrential monsoon rains over the past week have triggered deadly flash floods and landslides across North Sumatra province in Indonesia, killing at least 10 people and leaving six others missing as rescuers battle harsh weather to reach isolated communities.

The disaster, which began with relentless downpours since Monday, caused rivers to overflow in six regencies, unleashing mud, rocks, uprooted trees and debris that tore through hilly villages. Local authorities reported the worst impacts in the coastal city of Sibolga, where search teams recovered five bodies and three injured survivors by Wednesday. Efforts continue to locate four missing residents there, amid damage to infrastructure and homes. In neighboring Central Tapanuli district, landslides crushed several houses, killing four members of one family, while flooding submerged nearly 2,000 residences and public buildings. Further south in South Tapanuli, floods and falling trees claimed one life and injured another resident. In Mandailing Natal district, a bridge collapse isolated nearby areas, and 470 homes were inundated. On Nias island, mud and debris blocked a main road connecting villages, complicating access for aid.