Dozens dead as floods hit Indonesia and East Timor

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – At least 101 people have died after flash floods and landslides hit Indonesia and East Timor on Sunday.

Torrential rain sparked widespread destruction in the South East Asian neighbours, with water from overflowing dams submerging thousands of homes.

The affected area stretches from Flores island in eastern Indonesia to East Timor.

In Indonesia alone, 80 people have died with dozens still missing. Officials warn the toll could still rise.

“The mud and the extreme weather have become a serious challenge and the debris piling up has hampered the search and rescue team,” Indonesian Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson Raditya Djati told reporters.

“We suspect many people are buried but it’s not clear how many are missing,” his colleague Alfons Hada Bethan, head of the East Flores disaster agency, said.

“The evacuees are spread out. There are hundreds in each sub district but many others are staying at home. They need medicine, food, blankets.”