At least 10 people killed in Indonesia floods, landslides

Rescuers in Sumatra are racing to find survivors after floods and landslides killed at least 10 people.

Torrential monsoon rains have set off destructive floods and landslides across Indonesia’s Sumatra island, killing at least 10 people and leaving dozens of others missing, according to local authorities.

Days of relentless rainfall since Monday forced rivers in North Sumatra province to overflow, sending mud, rocks and uprooted trees crashing through villages in six regencies.

The National Police said on Wednesday that rescue teams were struggling to reach isolated communities as damaged roads, unstable slopes and persistent downpours continue to slow operations.

Authorities said five bodies and three injured survivors were recovered in the coastal city of Sibolga, the area hit hardest by the flooding.

Search teams are looking for four missing residents as damage assessments continue. In neighbouring Central Tapanuli, landslides crushed several homes, killing at least four members of one family, while severe flooding submerged nearly 2,000 houses and public buildings.