Death toll rises to 26 in flash floods and landslides in Sumatra island, Indonesia

In Indonesia, the death toll has risen to 26 as rescuers recovered more bodies after waters began to recede following flash floods and landslides caused by torrential rains in Sumatra island. Monsoon rains and rising rivers have submerged nine districts and cities in West Sumatra province since Thursday. Late Friday, a major mudslide caused a river to breach its banks and tear through mountainside villages in Pesisir Selatan district.

Relief efforts have been hampered by power outages, damaged



bridges, and roads blocked by thick mud and debris, the National Disaster Management Agency said. Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari said rescuers recovered more bodies, mostly in the worst-hit villages in Pesisir Selatan and its neighboring Padang Pariaman district, bringing the death toll to 26. Rescuers are still searching for 11 people reportedly missing. Muhari said monsoon rains in West Sumatra province have submerged more than 37,000 houses and buildings.