Indonesia, Philippines landslide casualties continue to rise

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian authorities on January 1 said that casualties of the deadly landslide triggered by heavy rain had mounted to at least 15, while dozens remained missing in western Indonesia.

The landslide occurred in the evening of December 31 in Sinaresmi village, Sukabumi district of West Java province.

Rescue teams have found 15 bodies and are scouring the area for at least 25 missing. The disaster also injured four people and forced 60 others to flee their homes.

Heavy rain, electricity cuts and rough roads are preventing heavy machinery from accessing the area in Sukabumi regency, disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said. The search and rescue forces will resume operations on January 2.

Also on January 1, the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Re­duction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the death toll has risen to 75 as a result of tropical depression Usman that caused flash flood and landslides.

Meanwhile, 16 people have remained missing and 12 others were injured by the disasters.

The council said that of the 75 reported deaths, 59 are in the Bicol Region, 13 in Eastern Visayas, and three in surrounding areas. Most of the victims died of landslides.

Floods and landslides also damaged many roads, while downpours caused power cut and led to the cancellation of 36 flights. Local authorities are working to repair the roads and power network.

The most affected areas include Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Sorsogon, which were placed under calamity state.

Storm Usman hit the Philippines on December 29, 2018. Many people did not prepare for it as the storm was not rated as a strong one. Although it has weaken into a depression, the country has still suffered from heavy rains which prevent search and rescue activities.-VNA