Residents screamed as a flash flood tore through villages in Indonesia.

Footage shows fast-flowing water tearing down a hanging bridge in Central Sulawesi on January 11.

Devastated locals watched in horror as nearby houses were swept away by the deluge.

One home was carried off as the street turned into a raging river, while another collapsed under the force of the water.

Asbudianto, Chief Executive of the Central Sulawesi Province Regional Disaster Management Agency, said: ‘The urgent need now is to build emergency bridges and heavy equipment to clear landslide material and reopen road access.'

Authorities recorded damage across coastal areas and hillside homes in Donggala.

In Tanantovea District, four villages were affected, with Wani 1 Village reporting three houses swept away by strong river currents.

Two connecting bridges were destroyed, leaving dozens of families impacted.

Officers are currently conducting search and rescue operations in the affected areas.

Palu Meteorology Station said changing winds in the area caused rain clouds to build up and stay longer over Central Sulawesi. Warmer than normal sea temperatures added more moisture to the air, making the rain stronger and last longer.