Extreme Weather Alert Issued For Java, Sumatra, As Landslide Kills Two In Central Java

Semarang, Indonesia— An extreme weather alert was issued for Java and Sumatra on October 25, 2026 after a landslide in Central Java killed two people and buried homes on a rain-soaked hillside.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency said a low-pressure trough and high moisture flow from the Indian Ocean will bring heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning to much of western Indonesia for three days. Central Java, West Java, and North Sumatra were flagged for highest risk.

The landslide hit at 4:10 a.m. in Banjarnegara Regency, where three days of rain had saturated steep farmland. A slope behind a row of houses gave way, sending mud and trees into two homes where families were sleeping. Neighbors dug with hands and hoes before rescue teams arrived.

The local disaster agency confirmed two fatalities, a 54-year-old woman and her 12-year-old grandson. Two others were injured and taken to Banjarnegara hospital. Six families were evacuated to a village hall. Officials said 12 more homes are in the danger zone if rain continues.

A village head said, "We heard a crack, then mud came. The rain has not stopped since Thursday. The hill was already leaking." Banjarnegara is known for frequent slides due to deforestation and steep slopes planted with vegetables.

BMKG warned of potential hydrometeorological disasters including flash floods and more slides. "Rain intensity can reach 100 millimeters per day in upland areas. Soils are saturated," a forecaster said. Ferry operators in Sunda Strait were told to watch for high waves up to 3.5 meters.

The Central Java provincial government sent excavators and emergency tents. The national disaster agency BNPB prepared logistics including food and tarps. Power was cut to the hamlet to avoid electrocution from downed lines.

Indonesia enters its rainy season transition, when extreme weather events often spike. Last year, similar alerts preceded more than 200 landslides in Java alone. Officials urged residents on slopes to watch for cracks and springs turning muddy.

Rain was still falling by evening in the affected area. Search teams kept probing the mud with poles to ensure no more victims were buried. The alert remains in force until October 28.