JAKARTA, 7 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Severe flooding and landslides on the Indonesian island of Java have claimed the life of a child and left seven others missing, following days of torrential rain that submerged more than a dozen towns, an official confirmed on Friday.
Heavy downpours this week have battered the capital Jakarta and its neighbouring cities, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. In an attempt to mitigate the impact, authorities deployed weather modification technology to control the extreme conditions.
However, on Thursday, the adverse weather continued in West Java province, particularly affecting Sukabumi district, where homes were damaged and public facilities—including schools and hospitals—were inundated.
According to the local disaster agency, at least 18 towns in the district experienced flooding and landslides.
“The disaster was caused by extreme weather and torrential rain with high intensity that lasted for a long time,” agency spokesperson Andrie Setiawan told AFP.
More than 200 residents were forced to flee to higher ground, while search teams continued operations in an attempt to locate the missing individuals in three separate districts.
A Country Prone to Disasters
Indonesia, a vast archipelago situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is highly susceptible to natural disasters, including landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. The rainy season, which typically spans from November to April, often exacerbates these risks.
The escalating effects of climate change have intensified storms, flash floods, and strong winds, making such disasters more frequent and severe.
In January 2025, at least 25 people were killed when floods and landslides struck a town in Central Java.
Similarly, in May 2024, around 70 people lost their lives in West Sumatra after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods, carrying a deadly mix of volcanic ash, sand, and debris from the Mount Marapi eruption into residential areas.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation in West Java, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant as the extreme weather persists.