Eight buried alive in landslide

BATAM, Riau: At least eight people, five of them from one family, were buried alive and several injured when a landslide hit Bengkong Indah housing complex yesterday, a press report said.

The disaster was triggered by incessant rain that pounded the area from early yesterday and continued throughout the day, Antara reported.

The family of five that was buried alive consisted of Maman, 47, his wife, 38, and their children Eli, 21, Ita, 13, and their grandson Ali, 3.

The bodies of the family were excavated by neighbors and then taken to the Otorita Batam Hospital for autopsies.

"Landslides have happened several times here before but only now has it caused fatalities," said Asep, Maman's son-in-law.

He said the disaster happened early in the morning when many people in the area were still asleep. He added that he and three other neighbors managed to flee when they heard a thunderous noise.

Maman's house, which was located below Asep's, was destroyed when the landslide hit at 7:30 a.m.

There were more than 15 houses in the stricken area. Most of the residents are small-scale traders. (pan)