10 Killed, 47 Missing in Serasan Natuna Landslide Disaster

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ten people died in the landslide disaster on Serasan Island, Natuna Regency, Riau Islands Province. Six of the deceased victims have been identified. Meanwhile, 47 people are still missing.

The disaster also heavily injured one person, while three are undergoing treatment and four are in critical condition.

The Natuna Regency Government has declared an emergency response status in the event of a landslide in Serasan for 7 days from March 6 to 12.

The landslide caused 26 houses and a place of worship buried in soil material and rubbles. Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing

Junainah, head of emergencies, Disaster Management Operations Control Center (PUSDALOPS PB) and Logistics at Riau Islands Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), said that bad weather, cut off access, and broken telecommunication networks hampered the search and rescue process. It's currently difficult to get an internet signal on the island, with connections available only in schools and village offices which can still be operated.

The hurdles also slowed down data reporting, preventing optimum updates. Junainah said that the death toll will likely change because the evacuation process is still ongoing.

The landslides have displaced thousands of people from their homes. According to the Serasan and East Serasan Disaster Response Joint Team on Tuesday, March 7, right now there are currently 1,216 people taking shelter in various evacuation sites.

On Monday, March 6, a landslide occurred at Genting Hamlet of Pangkalan Village in Serasan Island, part of Riau Islands Province's Natuna Regency. The disaster happened at noon, after the area had received heavy rains for the last five days.

At the time of this news' release, the joint SAR team and a team of delegates with the Regent of Natuna were at the landslide site.

ANTARA

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