At least 10 people killed in Indonesia floods, landslides

"The National Police said on Wednesday that rescue teams were struggling to reach isolated communities as damaged roads, unstable slopes and persistent downpours continue to slow operations. Authorities said five bodies and three injured survivors were recovered in the coastal city of Sibolga, the area hit hardest by the flooding. Search teams are looking for four missing residents as damage assessments continue."

"In neighbouring Central Tapanuli, landslides crushed several homes, killing at least four members of one family, while severe flooding submerged nearly 2,000 houses and public buildings. Further south, floods and falling trees killed one resident in South Tapanuli and injured another. A bridge in Mandailing Natal district was destroyed, cutting off access for nearby communities, while 470 homes were inundated."

"On Nias island, rescuers reported that mud and debris blocked the main road linking several villages. Videos posted online show water coursing over rooftops as families scramble to higher ground. In some neighbourhoods, flash floods surged so quickly that streets turned into violent currents carrying tree trunks, household items and rubble. Sibolga police chief Eddy Inganta said emergency shelters have opened across the city, and authorities are urging residents living near unstable slopes to leave immediately."

Torrential monsoon rains on Sumatra caused destructive floods and landslides that killed at least 10 people and left dozens missing. Rivers in North Sumatra overflowed, sending mud, rocks and uprooted trees through villages across six regencies. Rescue teams face blocked roads, unstable slopes and persistent downpours that hamper access to isolated communities. Sibolga was hardest hit, with five bodies and three injured survivors recovered and searches continuing for missing residents. Central Tapanuli saw landslides crush homes and widespread inundation of nearly 2,000 houses and public buildings. Bridges and roads were destroyed, cutting off communities and prompting evacuations and emergency shelters.

Read at www.aljazeera.com