Indonesia Flash Floods: Death Toll Rises to 20 as Rescue Efforts Continue
Rescue workers in western Indonesia have been using heavy equipment to dig out from the weekend’s flooding and landslides, which have killed at least 20 people, according to the national disaster agency.
Landslide Victims Found Dead
In North Sumatra, the bodies of five people listed as missing have been pulled from under a mountain of mud and debris, said agency spokesman Abdul Muhari in a statement. "All victims have been found dead," he said Tuesday, adding that 10 people in all had been killed in a Karo district landslide.
Heavy Rain and Landslides
The disaster began on Saturday, when heavy rain pounded four districts across northern Sumatra, producing the deadly floods and landslides. Juspri Nadeak, disaster chief in hardest-hit Karo district, said the discovery of victims not yet reported missing to authorities remained a possibility. "The landslide area provides access to hot springs, so there’s a possibility that tourists were hit by it," he told AFP Tuesday. "We are still cleaning up the mud and debris from the landslide while anticipating the possibility of discovering more victims."
Rescue Efforts
In a village in Deli Serdang district, where four people have been found dead and two more were missing, piles of mud, logs, and rocks were scattered around the village where a rescue operation was underway. "The electricity was cut off and there is no cellphone reception, making it difficult for us rescuers to communicate," said Iman Sitorus, a local search and rescue agency spokesman. Authorities have also deployed heavy equipment to clean up the debris.
Climate Change Connection
Indonesia has suffered a string of recent extreme weather events, which experts say are made more likely by climate change. In May, at least 67 people died after a mixture of ash, sand, and pebbles carried down from the eruption of Mount Marapi in West Sumatra washed into residential areas, causing flash floods.
Conclusion
The death toll from the flash floods and landslides in Indonesia has risen to 20, with the majority of victims found in Karo, South Tapanuli, Padang Lawas, and Deli Serdang districts. The rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities using heavy equipment to clear debris and search for any remaining missing persons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many people have been killed in the flash floods and landslides in Indonesia?
A: At least 20 people have been killed.
Q: Where did the flash floods and landslides occur?
A: The affected areas are in North Sumatra, including Karo, South Tapanuli, Padang Lawas, and Deli Serdang districts.
Q: What caused the flash floods and landslides?
A: Heavy rain pounded four districts across northern Sumatra, producing the deadly floods and landslides.
Q: Is climate change a factor in these extreme weather events?
A: Yes, experts say that climate change is making these types of events more likely.