Twenty bodies recovered after flash floods and landslides in Indonesia

The disaster, triggered by torrential rains over the weekend, has left rescue teams working tirelessly to find missing villagers and help those affected.

The heavy rainfall caused rivers in four hilly districts to overflow. These floods washed away homes and destroyed farms. Mud and rocks tumbled down the mountainsides, making the situation even worse. Authorities have confirmed that 20 people have died due to the floods and landslides, with some victims still missing.

Search for Missing Villagers Continues

As of Tuesday, rescuers had recovered 20 bodies. They found 10 victims in Karo Regency, a district that was particularly hit hard by a landslide. Four people also died in Deli Serdang district, and rescuers are still searching for two more people who were swept away by the floodwaters.

In addition, rescuers found the bodies of two people in South Tapanuli district and four members of a family in Padang Lawas. The family, including two children, was found in a village called Harang Julu, which is located on a mountainside.

Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, stated that all victims found so far had died. However, he also warned that more victims could be discovered in the landslide area, especially as the cleanup continues. "We are still cleaning up the mud and debris," he said.

The Impact of Heavy Rains

This disaster was caused by seasonal rain, which occurs from October to March. Indonesia, a country with over 17,000 islands, often faces floods and landslides during this rainy season. Many people live in mountainous areas or near flood-prone plains, making them more vulnerable to these natural disasters.

The landslides in Karo district, where many people were killed, are especially worrying. Juspri Nadeak, a disaster chief in the area, mentioned that the region is also known for its hot springs, which attract many tourists. This raises the possibility that some visitors may have been caught in the disaster.

In Deli Serdang district, piles of mud, logs, and rocks have covered the area, making rescue efforts even harder. "The electricity was cut off and there is no cellphone reception, making it difficult for us rescuers to communicate," said Iman Sitorus, a local search and rescue spokesperson.

Authorities Work Around the Clock

Rescue teams are working around the clock, using heavy equipment to clear away the debris and find anyone who might still be trapped. The disaster has caused a lot of damage, and many people are left without homes or belongings. But despite the challenges, rescuers remain determined to find and help those still missing.

The government has been quick to deploy equipment to help with the cleanup. Local authorities are also providing support to the affected communities. However, the situation remains difficult, and the death toll could rise as more bodies are found.

Experts say that climate change is making extreme weather events like this more likely. In May, another deadly event occurred when the eruption of Mount Marapi in West Sumatra caused floods, killing at least 67 people. This recent flood disaster in North Sumatra is just one of many extreme weather events that have hit Indonesia in recent months.

As the weather becomes more unpredictable, it is clear that natural disasters like floods and landslides will continue to threaten the lives of many people in Indonesia.

The government and rescue teams are doing everything they can to help the survivors and recover the missing. But as the cleanup continues, the people of North Sumatra are facing the long road to recovery. The community will need support as they rebuild their homes and lives after this terrible disaster.