At Least 23 Dead in Landslides and Floods in Sumatra

Rescue teams are struggling to reach the affected areas in 11 cities and districts of North Sumatra province, where monsoon rains last week caused rivers to overflow, devastating villages in the mountains. Mud, rocks, and trees were swept away, leaving a trail of destruction. Landslides occurred in much of the area, and power outages and telecommunication cuts hindered search efforts, the National Search and Rescue Agency stated. So far, rescue teams have recovered at least eight bodies and three injured individuals in the hardest-hit city, Sibolga, and are searching for 21 missing residents.