Jakarta — Indonesia is grappling with a wave of hydrometeorological disasters as heavy rains, floods, landslides, and tornadoes continue to strike across the country. In its latest report, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded 42 disaster events in the 24-hour period from May 21 to May 22, with 16 having significant impacts on communities and infrastructure, the agency said in a statement on Thursday, May 22.
Among the newly reported events, a tornado in Tidore City, North Maluku, damaged 16 houses and affected an equal number of families. In East Java, floods inundated parts of Bojonegoro Regency, leaving 242 families impacted. Water levels in the area remain high, ranging from 20 to 150 centimetres. Meanwhile, persistent flooding in West Java’s Ciamis Regency has affected 152 households, prompting local authorities to declare an emergency alert. The regional disaster response agency continues to coordinate rapid assessments, evacuation operations, and distribution of basic needs.
Further tornado activity was reported in Kuantan Singingi, Riau Province, with 18 families (72 people) affected. In Cirebon, West Java, flooding disrupted the lives of nearly 1,900 families and more than 5,200 residents. Although the waters have receded, emergency response efforts remain in place.
Ten homes were damaged by landslides in Central Java’s Purbalingga Regency, forcing six people to evacuate. Local officials have been providing food, logistics, and equipment to help the affected communities. While some landslide debris has been cleared, authorities remain alert for further movement.
The latest report also includes updates on previously reported disasters. Floodwaters in North Kalimantan’s Bulungan Regency, with depths between 60 and 120 centimetres, have yet to recede. In Central Java, Grobogan Regency remains inundated, with 439 households affected and 255 people displaced. BNPB has deployed emergency response personnel to assist local authorities on the ground.
Similar conditions persist in Lamongan, Gresik, and Demak, where floodwaters continue to rise, prompting the declaration of emergency statuses. In Trenggalek, East Java, two disasters—floods and a landslide—have taken a deadly toll. One person died in the flooding, while six people remain missing due to the landslide. Emergency operations are ongoing with support from BNPB.
Flooding in Karawang and Blora has also had severe consequences, affecting thousands and submerging hundreds of homes. Emergency measures remain in place as BNPB continues to assist local governments in response efforts.
Meanwhile, forest and land fires in Riau have burned more than 106 hectares since the beginning of the year, with 11 hectares added in the past day alone. Firefighting efforts continue both on the ground and by air, as authorities work to prevent further spread.
Weather forecasts for the coming days indicate a continued risk of extreme conditions. Moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds will persist across large areas, including Sumatra, Java, Bali, the Nusa Tenggara Islands, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua. These conditions could increase the likelihood of further flooding, landslides, and tornadoes.
In contrast, parts of southern Kalimantan and southern Papua are expected to experience dry, hot weather, raising the risk of additional forest and land fires, particularly in Riau, West Kalimantan, and South Sumatra.
In light of these developments, BNPB urges regional governments to strengthen disaster preparedness measures, including reviewing evacuation routes, ensuring logistical readiness, and securing emergency infrastructure. The public is also advised to stay alert to sudden weather changes, avoid sheltering under large trees during storms, and move away from riverbanks during periods of heavy rain.
BNPB has also called on emergency responders to monitor high-risk areas daily and update data regularly to support swift decision-making. The agency emphasised the importance of joint patrols, early fire suppression, and public education campaigns for fire-prone regions to prevent open burning.
“As extreme weather persists, we urge all communities to remain vigilant, monitor official updates, and report any emergencies to the authorities,” said Abdul Muhari, Ph.D., Head of BNPB’s Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center. (nsh)
Banner photo: BPBD Ciamis Regency conducted monitoring and assessment to flood-affected settlements in Ciamis Regency, West Java on Wednesday (21/5). (Photo Source: BPBD Ciamis Regency).
