Landslide in Indonesia kills 15; dozens missing

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According to disaster officials, at least 15 people were killed and dozens were missing after torrential rains and landslides hit one of Indonesia’s most remote islands bordering the South China Sea.

Mud and debris from landslides inundated houses near a cliff on the remote Serasan island, according to images provided by the national disaster mitigation agency (BNPB).

There were roof shards and fallen trees visible.

According to officials, the remoteness of the village where the landslide struck in Riau province’s Natuna region, combined with poor weather and downed communication lines, complicated rescue efforts.

“We’ve been updated that 50 people were missing, and 15 dead people were evacuated,” Abdul Rahman, the head of Natuna Search and Rescue Agency, told AFP, revising an earlier toll.

Junainah, a spokesperson for the Riau Islands Disaster Mitigation Agency, added that with the communication network in the affected area — between Borneo island and peninsular Malaysia — cut off, it was difficult to get the most up-to-date information.

“The weather is volatile. “The wind is strong, and the waves are currently high,” said the official, who goes by one name like many Indonesians.