According to officials, a landslide struck Luwu regency in South Sulawesi on Friday following heavy rainfall that pounded the area.

Indonesia's Sulawesi island has been struck by both a flood and a landslide, resulting in the loss of life of at least 14 people, according to officials.

The landslide occurred in Luwu regency in South Sulawesi early Friday morning, around 1 am local time, as stated by Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency (BNPB).

Landslides are a common occurrence in Indonesia during the rainy season, worsened in certain areas due to deforestation.

The torrential rain that began on Thursday triggered the landslide, according to Mexianus Bekabel, the local rescue chief.

Floodwaters, rising up to three meters (10ft), have affected 13 sub-districts, submerging the area in water and mud.

A search and rescue team diligently carried out evacuation operations using rubber boats and other vehicles.

Over 100 individuals were evacuated to mosques or the homes of relatives, and over 1,300 families were impacted, prompting authorities to organize their evacuation.

The national disaster management agency reported that over 100 houses suffered severe damage, with 42 being swept away entirely. Additionally, four roads and one bridge were affected by the disaster.

In another part of South Sulawesi province, Muhari reported at least one fatality and two injuries due to floods on Friday, as stated in another official statement.

Back in March, flash floods and landslides on Sumatra island claimed the lives of at least 30 individuals, with many still unaccounted for.

A landslide and subsequent flooding devastated numerous houses and a hotel near Lake Toba on Sumatra in December, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals.

Indonesia has experienced a series of severe weather events during its rainy season, a trend experts attribute to climate change.

Human-caused climate breakdown has led to more frequent and intense extreme rainfall worldwide, notably in Europe, most of Asia, central and eastern North America, as well as parts of South America, Africa, and Australia. Warmer air can hold more water vapor, exacerbating these phenomena. While flood defenses and land use practices also play a role, flooding has likely become more prevalent and severe in these areas.