SOLO: Residents in Solo, Central Java, were left stunned after floodwaters following heavy rainfall turned an unusual deep red across several neighbourhoods.
Videos from the area showed streets submerged under crimson-colored water, with people wading through the unusual flood while motorbikes and cars slowly navigated partially flooded roads.
Local officials later explained that the striking colour was caused by dye from nearby materials that had been washed into the floodwaters.
A local water department worker, Bambang, said the team discovered plastic waste containing dye after inspecting the area. He noted that the high concentration of the substance caused the water to appear uniformly red.
Authorities linked the flooding to overflowing rivers in the region, a common issue during the monsoon season, which runs from November to April in Central Java. In some areas, residents said the red tint had been visible even before the floods intensified, suggesting that stagnant water may have played a role in spreading the colour.
Despite the unusual appearance, officials and locals confirmed there were no immediate signs of danger, though investigations are ongoing to ensure water safety.
Flooding remains a recurring challenge in Solo and surrounding regions, where heavy seasonal rains often disrupt daily life and damage infrastructure.