Extreme Weather Strikes Semarang: Dozens of Trees Felled, One Person Killed
Extreme weather in the form of heavy rain and strong winds struck Semarang on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, causing damage to public facilities at several strategic locations, particularly a collapsed billboard and dozens of fallen trees.
The Head of Semarang’s Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Endro Pudyo Martanto, said there were 41 incidents caused by heavy rain accompanied by strong winds since 11:00 AM local time.
The most prominent incident occurred in the Kebonharjo area, near Tawang Station in Semarang. A giant billboard reportedly collapsed after being unable to withstand the force of the strong winds. The billboard’s position in the main transport access area attracted the attention of residents and motorists passing near the scene.
Beyond the billboard damage, reports of fallen trees also emerged from the city centre. On Jalan Batan, in Seteran subdistrict, Central Semarang district, a large tree fell and partially blocked road access, disrupting residents’ mobility.
“Fallen trees also occurred along main routes such as Jalan Supriyadi, the Yos Sudarso arterial road, and the BKB area. On Jalan Bendungan, one person was reported dead and another injured after being struck by a falling tree,” Endro explained in a written statement on Wednesday.
The impact of the strong winds also affected residential areas and public facilities. Several homes in Tambak Boyo, Pringgodani and Bambankerep reportedly collapsed or had their roofs blown off by the wind.
A number of vehicles, including cars on Jalan Supriyadi and in front of the fire brigade post, also sustained damage from falling tree debris. Fallen trees also blocked road access at numerous points, from central city areas such as Jalan Pandanaran and Imam Bonjol to outlying areas such as Ngaliyan and Tembalang.
Semarang’s BPBD continues to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage caused by the extreme weather. Officers have been deployed to the field and have reported incidents to relevant agencies for the evacuation of tree debris and the securing of the collapsed billboard area near Tawang Station.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant and avoid sheltering under large trees or advertising billboards during severe weather.