At least 10 die in landslides
2013-02-17 19:02
Jakarta - Landslides and floods triggered by torrential
rain in northern Indonesia have killed at least 10 people and sent hundreds
fleeing for safe ground.
Disaster official Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said mud and rocks
cascaded down hills in seven sub-districts of Manado, the capital of North
Sulawesi province on Sunday, while more than 1 000 houses were flooded after
downpours caused a river to burst its banks.
He said nine bodies were pulled from the water, mud and
wreckage of crumpled homes.
About 1 200 people fled to temporary shelters.
Rescuers were still searching for those who might be buried
beneath mud and rocks.
Seasonal downpours cause dozens of landslides and flash
floods in Indonesia each year, where millions of people live in mountainous
areas or near fertile flood plains.
- SAPA
