NEWS- Torrential rains have triggered flash floods and a landslide on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island, killing at least 19 people and leaving seven others missing.
It’s reported that rocks have rolled down an entire mountain and uprooted trees reaching a river that burst its banks and tore through villages in Pesisir Selatan District of West Sumatra Province.
The Head of the Local Disaster Management Agency, Doni Yusrizal told journalists today morning that rescuers have pulled out seven bodies in the worst-hit village of Koto XI Tarusan, and recovered three other bodies in two neighboring villages.
The National Disaster Management Agency said rescuers retrieved 6 bodies in Pesisir Selatan and three more in the neighboring district of Padang Pariaman, bringing the death toll to 19 and at least two villagers were injured by the flash flood and rescuers are searching for seven people who are reportedly still missing.
The Police in the Area have said that more than 80,000 people had fled to temporary government shelters after the flood and landslide buried 14 houses, while 20,000 houses were flooded up to the roof in nine districts and cities in West Sumatra Province.
“Relief efforts for the dead and missing were hampered by power outages, blocked roads covered in thick mud and debris,” Yusrizal said.
Heavy rains cause frequent landslides and flash floods in Indonesia, where millions of people live in mountainous areas or near floodplains.
Additional Reporting by Reuters
