32 killed in Sangihe Talaud landslides

JAKARTA (JP): Officials said on Monday 32 people were killed in landslides triggered by days of heavy rain in Sangihe Talaud regency on Sangir island, North Sulawesi, while 20 others are feared dead.

"On Monday rescue workers, with the help of local residents, were trying to dig out some 20 victims from under the mud using heavy equipment," the head of the Manado Search and Rescue Agency, Soleman Moerad Kakoe, told The Jakarta Post from Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi.

Heavy rain has fallen in the area since Jan. 17, and the landslides on Saturday, followed by an earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale that hit five villages in the regencies of Tamako, Tabukan Utara and Manganitu in the early hours on Sunday, destroyed 40 houses and cut off roads in several areas.

The location of the landslides is about 15 kilometers from Tahuna Port and about 209 kilometers from Manado Port.

"The 32 victims, from five villages, have been buried with the help of local authorities.

"The casualties come from the villages of Karatung II and Toloarane in Manganitu regency, Belengan and Ujung Peliang in Tamako regency and Bangkitang in Tabukan regency," Soleman said.

A team of six search and rescue officials has been dispatched to the site of the incident.

The provincial government also has sent rice, iron sheets for roofing and timber by boat to Sangihe Talaud regency, he said.

"We will probably send more aid but the situation in Manado also requires attention and monitoring since heavy downpours are continuing in the area.

"Manado has been hit by massive flooding in the past few days and several areas have been temporarily inundated," Soleman said.

The search for more landslide victims will continue on Tuesday, he said.

Sam Ratulangi Airport and Manado Port temporary halted their operations on Monday as heavy rain and thick fog made it impossible for activities to continue, he said.

"The visibility was only about 30 meters because of the thick fog and rain.

"Pilots did not dare to take the risk. On (Monday) afternoon at about 4:30, a Garuda plane landed and after dropping off its passengers it departed immediately. But other planes preferred to wait," Soleman said. (edt)