Torrential rain

Deaths in landslides on Bali and Java

At least 23 people have died in landslides in Indonesia.(Bild: AFP/Indonesia‘s Disaster Mitigato/Handout)

At least 23 people have died in several landslides and flash floods on the Indonesian islands of Bali and Java. Eleven others were initially still missing. They were triggered by persistent heavy rain and strong winds.

First, on Sunday evening (local time), masses of rock fell on a house in the village of Pikat on the popular vacation island of Bali. Four people lost their lives and four others were injured. One person is still missing. Rescue work was hampered by bad weather and steep terrain.

Early on Monday morning, another landslide occurred in the village of Ubung Kaja, burying a house under earth and rubble and damaging other houses. Four residents died and one person is missing. Excavators cleared away debris and sniffer dogs were also deployed.

Here you can see a picture from Indonesia.

On Monday evening, flash floods and landslides followed on the neighboring island of Java. "15 people died. Some were fishing, others were seeking shelter when they were swept away by the flash floods," said the head of the regional disaster management agency. Several people were also buried under masses of mud.

The authorities warned of further flooding and flash floods. People staying near mountain slopes or rivers should be particularly careful. Bali and Java are in the rainy season from November to April.