Over 100 Dead or Missing Due to Heavy Rainfall in Indonesia

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Since last weekend, heavy rain has poured over the eastern part of the Indonesian Sunda Islands, resulting in over 100 people dead or missing and thousands of displaced residents.

According to Indonesian disaster authorities on the 5th, a landslide occurred around 1 a.m. the previous day in Nelnelamadike village, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, burying dozens of houses.

The East Flores authorities stated to Antara News, "63 residents were buried by the landslide," adding, "By Sunday night, 54 bodies were recovered, and the rest are still being searched for." Although local media report varying numbers of casualties, it appears that more than 60 people lost their lives in this village alone.

In East Flores, not only Nelnelamadike village but also seven other villages were affected by the heavy rain, with 17 houses swept away by floods and 60 houses buried in mud. Five bridges were also damaged. It is reported that more than four people died in these seven villages.

Significant casualties also occurred on Lembata Island in East Nusa Tenggara. The village at the foot of Lewotolo volcano on this island was buried by mudflows from the volcano along with heavy rain the previous day.

An official from Lembata Regency told dpa News Agency, "At least 18 residents at the foot of Lewotolo volcano have died, and 62 are missing," adding, "Internet, electricity, and roads in 14 villages are all cut off, leaving them isolated, so the death toll is expected to rise."

This disaster in the East Nusa Tenggara region is believed to have been influenced by the formation of Cyclone Seroja in the sea between Indonesia and Australia. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency issued a warning, stating, "Due to the cyclone's impact, strong winds exceeding 85 km/h will hit the East Nusa Tenggara area."

Flooding also occurred in East Timor, adjacent to the East Nusa Tenggara region. Heavy rain poured across East Timor, including the capital Dili, causing floods that killed at least 16 people and forced thousands to evacuate.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.