The death toll from flash flooding and landslides on the Indonesian island of Sumatra has risen to 21, an official said Sunday, with six people still missing. A local official earlier put the death toll at 18 with five missing.
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An Indonesian soldier and volunteers use a rubber boat to evacuate people to higher ground during a flood in Indonesia. (AP)
JAKARTA: More than 75 people have died and dozens are still missing after flash floods and landslides hit Indonesia and neighbouring East Timor, officials said on Monday. Floods sparked by torrential rain have wreaked havoc and destruction on islands stretching from Flores in Indonesia to East Timor, sending thousands fleeing into shelters. The deluge and subsequent landslides caused dams to overflow, submerging thousands of houses and leaving rescue workers struggling to reach trapped survivors. There are 55 dead, but this number is very dynamic and will definitely change, while some 42 people are still missing, Indonesia disaster management agency spokesman Raditya Jati told broadcaster MetroTV.