Landslide strikes Indonesia, killing 11 and leaving dozens missing.

On Monday, the country’s disaster agency reported that landslides and torrential rains on one of Indonesia’s remotest islands left dozens of people missing and eleven dead.

According to the most recent information from local authorities on the Riau Islands, “11 body bags had been filled,” and “50 people are estimated missing,” according to National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari on Kompas TV.

On Serasan island, between Borneo and mainland Malaysia, pictures provided by the agency showed that mud and debris from the landslides had completely covered and flattened the houses that were close to a cliff.

It was possible to see pieces of torn metal roofs.

The Riau Islands Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson, Junainah, added that obtaining the most recent information was difficult because the communication network in the affected area was cut off.

“The weather can change suddenly. Currently, the wind is strong, and the waves are high “said the official, who goes by one name like many Indonesians.

Abdul Muhari added that it would be challenging for rescue personnel to reach the remote island.

“Normally, a fast boat takes five hours,” he said. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency will deploy a helicopter tomorrow to expedite logistics delivery.

Deforestation makes Indonesia more prone to landslides during the rainy season in some areas. Prolonged torrential rain has also caused flooding in various parts of the archipelago nation.

Over 17,000 homes were submerged by floods in the Banjar district of Indonesian Borneo, disrupting daily life for a month.

Massive floods were also caused by torrential rains in Malaysia’s neighboring country. Nearly 41,000 people were evacuated last week, and at least four died.

Following heavy rains that caused landslides, Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, and other nearby cities experienced some of their deadliest floods in years in 2020.