Landslide in Indonesia kills at least 11 people; dozens missing
A landslide caused by torrential rains has killed at least 11 people and left dozens more missing on an island in Indonesia’s remote Natuna regency
Jakarta, Indonesia — A landslide triggered by torrential rain killed at least 11 people and left dozens more missing Monday on an island in Indonesia’s remote Natuna regency, disaster officials said.
Tons of mud fell from the surrounding hills on the houses of Serasan village in Natuna. Rescuers have recovered at least 11 bodies and authorities fear the death toll will rise, National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Abdul Muhari said.
“Many people who need help have not been reached as we still have difficulty accessing the affected areas,” Muhari said, adding that authorities believe around 50 people are still missing.
Dozens of soldiers, police and volunteers joined the search in the village, on a remote island surrounded by choppy waters and high waves in the Natuna Group on the edge of the South China Sea, said Junainah, who directs emergency relief operations during local disaster. agency.
Downed communication lines and bad weather hampered rescue efforts, said Junainah, who uses only one name.
Seasonal downpours cause frequent landslides and flooding in Indonesia, a chain of 17,000 islands where millions of people live in mountainous areas or on fertile floodplains.
