Rains and mudslides on the island of Flores: 30 dead a toll “destined to grow"
by Mathias Hariyadi
The affected area is the regency of Manggari; after days of intense rain over the weekend at least 9 villages were buried by the mud and numerous rice fields washed away. Rescue operations hampered by worsening weather conditions.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Worsening weather conditions have rendered rescue operations difficult on Floes Island, Indonesians predominantly Catholic area, were an enormous landslide March 3rd buried at least nine villages. The death toll stands at least 30 victims with over 83 missing; but Manggari ‘s mayor, says that the toll “is destined to grow”.
The incident took place in Riung villages in the Cibal and Lambaleda sub districts, following endless heavy rains in the area since Thursday. Evacuation and relief efforts are underway but are encountering scores of difficulties. “At the moment - says the mayor – all effected areas are isolated and we are experiencing serious problems in getting through to some villages”.
Flores lies in the East Nusa Tenggara province (NTT); provincial governor, Piet Tallo, confirmed that the emergency teams are currently searching for survivors in the hope that someone may still be alive beneath the mud. Circa 40 policemen have been sent help in rescue operations.
Apart from washing away numerous homes the landslide also destroyed many rich fields. Experts are forecasting continued rainfall on the Island. In Indonesia the monsoon season – which carries with it intense rains and mudslides- is coming to an end. Landslides are a constant problem for the nation; environmental groups attribute gravity of the phenomenon to heavy deforestation.
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