In Indonesia, rescuers have found the bodies of at least 17 people after strong flash floods hit villages on the island of Java. Officials reported that 8 people are still missing. The flooding happened due to heavy rains that caused rivers to overflow, affecting nine villages in Pekalongan regency of Central Java.
Bergas Catursasi, who leads the local Disaster Management Agency, said that many hillsides collapsed, burying homes and villagers in mud and rocks. Many people were injured, and 11 were taken to hospitals for help. Pictures showed police, soldiers, and rescue teams using machines and their hands to search through the debris for survivors and victims.
“Bad weather and tough terrain made the rescue work really difficult,” Catursasi added. Some people fishing were taken away by the swift floods, and a landslide buried two homes.
The disaster also wrecked two important bridges, affecting travel between villages. In Indonesia, heavy rains from October to March often cause floods and landslides. Just last month, another landslide and floods in West Java killed 12 people. In November, 20 people died in North Sumatra due to similar disasters.
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