Jakarta—The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) on Wednesday, May 14, reported a series of weather-related disasters affecting several regions in Indonesia. These disasters were dominated by heavy rain-triggered landslides, floods, and strong winds as the country entered the second week of May.
A landslide in Mamasa Regency, West Sulawesi, struck late on Monday, May 12, at 23:35 WIB, impacting three villages—Ulusalu, Ulusalu Indah, and Saloan—in Pana District. Preliminary assessments indicate that 13 houses were damaged: five severely, four moderately, and four lightly. A total of 31 residents have been displaced. Landslide debris also blocked key roads, complicating emergency access.
By Tuesday, May 13, emergency crews had managed to reopen trail motorbike access. However, ongoing rainfall at the disaster site continues to threaten further landslides. Heavy machinery has been deployed to support road-clearing operations, with safety precautions prioritised in areas at risk of additional slope failures.
A similar landslide hit Timor Tengah Selatan Regency in East Nusa Tenggara on Friday, May 9, also triggered by prolonged heavy rain. At least 68 homes were affected, with varying degrees of damage. Local disaster response teams have been deployed for rapid assessments and emergency response.
In Aceh Tamiang Regency, Aceh Province, strong winds accompanied by heavy rain swept through Karang Baru and Rantau districts on Monday, May 12, at 16:35 WIB. The storm damaged three homes and heavily impacted two educational facilities. Emergency crews are conducting clean-up operations and clearing fallen trees and building debris.
Further east, flooding struck Mojokerto Regency in East Java on Monday at 16:00 WIB after high-intensity rainfall caused riverbanks to overflow into residential areas. Two embankments collapsed in Salen Village, Bangsal District, inundating roads and submerging around 10 hectares of rice fields. As of Tuesday (13 May), floodwaters had receded mainly, though some parts of the farmland remained waterlogged.
BNPB urges residents across Indonesia to remain alert to the increasing threat of wet hydrometeorological disasters, especially during extreme weather conditions.
“If heavy rain lasts for more than an hour and visibility drops below 100 meters, residents should evacuate immediately to safer areas,” advised Abdul Muhari, Ph.D., Head of BNPB’s Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center.
Local governments are also being called on to assess and strengthen their emergency preparedness, including ensuring the readiness of personnel, equipment, and resources to respond swiftly to emerging threats. (nsh)
Banner photo: The BPBD and joint teams carry out emergency response efforts after strong winds hit Aceh Tamiang Regency, Aceh Province, on Monday (12/5). (Photo source: BPBD Aceh Tamiang Regency)
