At least 10 people killed as landslides hit western Indonesia

JAKARTA: Landslides occurred in Indonesia’s western province of Riau Islands on Monday, leaving at least 10 dead and several others missing, Spokesman of National Disaster Management Agency Abdul Muhari said in a statement.

Heavy downpours and unstable soil conditions were blamed for the natural disaster in Natuna Regency of the province, the spokesman of National Disaster Management Agency Abdul Muhari said.

“The number of casualties may rise. So far there are 10 bodies inside body bags,” said Junainah, Head of the Emergency Unit of the provincial disaster management and mitigation agency, adding that the search and rescue operation for the victims is still underway.

-Xinhua