Update On Deaths From Landslides In East Flores Raises To 54 People

JAKARTA - The number of landslide victims in Nele Lamadiken Village, Adonara Island, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara on Sunday, who were found dead, increased to 54 people.

"The number of landslide victims who were found lifeless as of Sunday afternoon, there are 54 people from the previous 20 people, while search efforts are still ongoing in the field," said Deputy Regent of East Flores Agustinus Payong Boli when confirmed by ANTARA from Kupang, Sunday, 4 April, evening.

Landslides in Nele Lamadiken Village, Ile Boleng District occurred on Sunday, around 01.00 WITA, when the local area was hit by heavy rain and strong winds that lasted quite a long time.

He said the extreme weather conditions resulted in flooding and landslides which brought along large wood and rocks that hit the settlements of the villagers.

Apart from claiming casualties, dozens of houses in Nele Lamadiken Village along with various valuables belonging to local residents were also destroyed by landslides.

He said currently the search for victims was still ongoing in the field by officers with the support of various elements of the local community.

"There were also dead victims who were found in Nobo Village, which is in the area below the village of Nele Lamadiken because they were dragged by the flood," he said.

Agustinus said the victims of flash floods that occurred at other points, namely the Waiwerang area and its surroundings in East Adonara District who were found dead, also increased by one person to four people.

He added that the local government together with various elements are currently still working in the field to take steps to mitigate the impact of disasters, both searching for and evacuating victims, and handling survivors.