Indonesia faces deadly floods and landslides affecting thousands

In early May 2026 Indonesia was struck by two severe weather-related disasters. A landslide in the village of Tanah Abang, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan damaged about 10 houses and forced roughly 32 residents from 11 households to seek shelter with relatives. BNPB spokesman Abdul Muhari warned of further landslide risk due to unstable soil and continued heavy rain.

At the same time, heavy rains caused widespread flooding in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi. BNPB reported that 3,517 people from 797 households were affected, two residents died, and about 797 homes were inundated across 16 villages in seven districts. Floodwaters began to recede, and local authorities and residents started clearing mud and debris. Both events underscore the vulnerability of Indonesian communities to extreme rainfall and the ongoing response by disaster agencies.