Indonesia : 19 people killed and 7 others missing due to floods and landslides

Officials announced on Sunday that at least 19 people were killed and 7 others were missing as a result of floods and landslides caused by heavy rains on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

"Tons of mud, rocks and uprooted trees rolled down a mountain late Friday, reaching a river that burst its banks and submerged mountain villages in Besisir Selatan district of West Sumatra province," said Doni Yusrizal, head of the local disaster management agency.

Yisrizal added, "Rescuers recovered seven bodies as of Saturday from the most affected village of Koto Tarusan, and recovered three other bodies in two neighboring villages."

He explained, "Relief efforts for the dead and missing were hampered by power outages and the closure of roads covered in thick mud and debris."

The local disaster management agency said on Sunday in a statement that “rescuers recovered six bodies in Besisir Selatan and three other bodies in the neighboring Padang Pariaman district, bringing the death toll to 19 people.”

The agency revealed that "at least two villagers were injured in the floods, and rescuers are searching for seven people who are still missing."

She added: "More than 80,000 people fled to temporary government shelters after floods and landslides inundated 14 homes, while 20,000 homes were submerged to the roof in nine regions and cities in West Sumatra Province."

Heavy rains cause frequent landslides and floods in Indonesia, where millions of people live in mountainous areas or near floodplains.