One Dead, 13 Injured As Landslides Hit Indonesia's Central Aceh

By Nik Nurfaqih Nik Wil

JAKARTA, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Landslides triggered by heavy rains killed one person and injured 13 others in Central Aceh Regency, Aceh province, on Sunday.

National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) acting disaster data, information and communication centre chief Berton Panjaitan said the landslides occurred at about 6.15 pm local time on Sunday, affecting seven villages across four districts.

He said the affected districts were Kebayakan, Lut Tawar, Celala and Silih Nara, while landslide debris and mud blocked several national, provincial and local roads and damaged homes.

“Two houses were reported to have been severely damaged and two others moderately damaged. In addition, several roads were blocked by landslide debris, disrupting public access,” he said in a statement on Monday.

Berton said the Central Aceh Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) was coordinating with relevant agencies and conducting assessments in the affected areas, while a wheel loader and an excavator had been deployed to clear landslide debris blocking the roads.

He said clearance work was still underway to reopen affected roads and facilitate the movement and activities of local communities.

He urged residents in Central Aceh and surrounding areas to remain alert for possible further landslides, particularly during heavy or prolonged rainfall, and advised those living near slopes and cliffs to move to safer areas if they observed signs of ground movement.

-- BERNAMA