Child killed in Sibolga landslide

SIBOLGA, North Sumatra: At least one person died and four others were injured when a landslide destroyed four houses in North Sibolga subdistrict, South Tapanuli regency, North Sumatra.

The victim was an eight-year-old child, Mardian Saota, who was killed when his house on Jl. Ketapang in Sibolga village collapsed during the landslide on Tuesday at 6 a.m.

Local authorities said on Wednesday that the disaster took place following two hours of heavy rain starting at 4 a.m., when most people were still sleeping.

"The landslide was the first to occur in Sibolga," A. Hutagalung, an officer with the local emergency task force, told The Jakarta Post.

He said more landslides were anticipated in the mountainous area where there is heavy deforestation.

Local villagers were removing their belongings from their homes to avoid any possible risks, Hutagalung said.

Deputy Sibolga Mayor Agus Salim Harahap and other senior local officials visited the village soon after the disaster. --JP