Torrential rains unleashed flash floods and triggered landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra island, killing at least 10 people and leaving six others missing, police said.
Rescue teams were struggling to reach affected areas in six regencies of North Sumatra province after the monsoon rains over the past week caused rivers to burst their banks, tearing through hilly villages as mud, rocks and trees tumbled down, the National Police said in a statement yesterday.
Rescue workers yesterday had recovered at least five bodies and three injured people in the worst-hit city of Sibolga and were searching for four villagers who were reported missing.
In the neighbouring district of Central Tapanuli, landslides hit several homes, killing at least a family of four, and floods submerged nearly 2,000 houses and buildings.
Floods and landslides also uprooted trees that killed a villager in South Tapanuli district and hurt another, destroyed a bridge in Mandailing Natal district and submerged 470 houses.
A main road was blocked by mud and derbies in Nias island, the statement said.
Videos on social media show water cascading down rooftops while panicked residents scramble for safety.
In some areas, flash floods rose rapidly, transforming streets into raging torrents carrying tree trunks and debris.
Sibolga police chief Eddy Inganta said emergency shelters have been set up and authorities urged residents in high-risk zones to evacuate immediately, warning that continued rainfall could trigger more landslides after six landslides flattened 17 houses and a cafe.
“Bad weather and mudslides hampered the rescue operation,” Inganta said, adding that access remains limited as rescuers battle harsh conditions. — AP
