At least 15 people have been killed, while dozens remain missing in the Natuna region in Indonesia after heavy rainfall caused a mudslide.
A video released by the national disaster mitigation agency (BNPB) showed Landslides pooled through forested areas and dumped mud and debris on houses on the remote Serasan island. Following the disaster on Monday, pieces of metal from ripped-off roofs and fallen trees were also visible.
The BNPB said on Twitter that the location of the landslide and the persistent rain were complicating search and rescue efforts and that communications had been cut off.
Abdul Rahman, the head of the Natuna Search and Rescue Agency, told the AFP news agency that 15 people had been confirmed dead and 50 were missing.
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The spokesperson for the Riau Islands Disaster Mitigation Agency said that The weather is changing, and the wind is still blowing hard, adding thatThe tidal waves are high.
Sebanyak kurang lebih 10 orang dilaporkan meninggal dunia setelah terdampak bencana tanah longsor yang terjadi di Kecamatan Serasan, Kabupaten Natuna, Kepulauan Riau, Senin (6/3).#LongsorNatuna #BNPBIndonesia pic.twitter.com/ewtSVJzXIL
— BNPB Indonesia (@BNPB_Indonesia) March 6, 2023
A 60-person search and rescue team set out for the island on Monday afternoon, with the fast boat journey expected to take 7 to 8 hours.
According to BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari, a helicopter will be deployed on Tuesday to expedite the logistics delivery process.