Over 50 dead after torrential rains in Sumatra

Over 50 dead after torrential rains in Sumatra
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fullscreen Drone photo shows a village affected by the major flooding caused by torrential rains in West Sumatra, Indonesia over the weekend. Photo: Sutan Malik Kayo/AP/TT

The death toll is rising after the major floods and landslides that hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra over the weekend. The death toll is now up to 57 and 22 people are missing.

Local authorities warn that the death toll may rise.

Among other things, the rain fell on an active volcano in the area, sending rocks and solidified masses of lava tumbling towards communities below.

Several houses were swept away in the downpour and rescue workers state that several of the victims have been found there.

One of those whose house was destroyed is Meli Karmila, who managed to escape to the second floor of another house by climbing onto a car that was stuck – while carrying her child in her arms.

– When I saw all the water. Oh God. I felt like I was going to die. My house was damaged – destroyed, she told the AFP news agency.

More than 3,300 people have had to be evacuated, according to local authorities. In the search for survivors, rescue workers are working with drones, excavators and bare hands to dig through mud and rubble.

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