At least 15 killed, 50 missing after large landslide hits Serasan island, Indonesia
A large landslide hit the Indonesian region of Natuna on Monday, March 6, 2023, leading to the deaths of at least 15 people. 50 others are still missing, as search and rescue teams struggle to reach the affected areas due to poor weather conditions and damaged communication lines.
The landslide, triggered by the heavy rains, tore through a forested area, destroying homes, roads, and other infrastructure on the remote island of Serasan. The affected area is located on the edge of the South China Sea, approximately a five-hour boat ride from the capital of Natuna.
A 60-person search and rescue team was deployed to the island on Monday afternoon, and a helicopter was scheduled to be dispatched today to help speed up the logistics delivery process. However, the search and rescue operations are proving to be a challenge due to the harsh weather conditions and downed communication lines.
Abdul Rahman, the head of Natuna Search and Rescue Agency, told the AFP news agency on Tuesday that 15 people had been confirmed dead and 50 were still missing. This is up from 10 reported late on Monday. The Riau Islands Disaster Mitigation Agency’s spokesperson warned that the death toll may rise, given that the weather conditions are still unfavorable, with strong winds and tidal waves.
According to the disaster mitigation agency, survivors are being evacuated from the Searasan region, and the search and rescue operations are ongoing.
References:
1 Indonesia landslide kills 15 – AFP – March 6, 2023
2 Indonesia: Landslide kills 10, dozens missing – DW/AFP, Reuters – March 6, 2023
Featured image credit: BNPB
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