JAKARTA - The number of deaths due to flash floods that hit the Siau Tagulandang Biaro Islands Regency (Sitaro), North Sulawesi, on Monday, January 5, increased to 11 people.
Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said that of the total number of deaths, six bodies had been identified, while the other five bodies were still in the data collection process.
"The Kepulauan Sitaro Regency BPBD has facilitated the funeral for the deceased victims," said Abdul Muhari in a written statement, Tuesday, January 6.
In addition to the deceased, as of the evening there were still five people who were declared missing and in the process of being searched. However, the search and rescue (search and rescue/SAR) operation was temporarily stopped due to bad weather in the form of heavy rain that could potentially trigger flooding and landslides following the disaster site.
"SAR operations will resume tomorrow if weather conditions permit," said Abdul.
The flash flood disaster also resulted in 143 families or 444 people having to evacuate. The local government has opened a temporary evacuation post at the GMIST Bethbara Building. At the evacuation site, survivors received bed facilities, children's supplies, and ready-to-eat meals.
The results of the field assessment showed that the disaster-affected area extended to four sub-districts, namely Siau Timur, Siau Timur Selatan, Siau Barat, and Siau Barat Selatan.
Responding to the emergency, the Regent of Siau Tagulandang Biaro Islands Regency established the status of emergency response to meteorological disasters through Decree Number 1 of 2026. This emergency response status is valid for 14 days, starting from January 5 to January 18, 2026.
To accelerate recovery, the Sitaro Regency BPBD worked together with the Public Works Service and the Environment Service to mobilize heavy equipment in the form of excavators and wheel loaders to open access to the road that was cut off. The deployment of heavy equipment will be carried out immediately after the weather conditions are declared safe.
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