Apriadi Gunawan, Humbang Hasundutan, North Sumatra – Search and rescue efforts continued on Monday for 10 people who went missing after a flash flood hit Simangalumpe village in Humbang Hasundutan regency, North Sumatra, on Friday night. Two people were confirmed killed in the disaster.
The local Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) reported that 200 people had taken refuge after the rock-strewn flash flood damaged 35 houses, one church, one school and one public health center.
Heavy rain triggered the flash flood and landslide.
North Sumatra BPBD chief Tuahta Ramajaya Saragih said local authorities had deployed 100 personnel and heavy machinery in the search effort.
Medan Search and Rescue Agency chief Budiono said that heavy boulders were the main challenge in the rescue. (dre)