Indonesia: Landslide in Java Kills at Least 34

At least 34 people have died in a landslide near Bandung, Java, Indonesia. Dozens are missing, according to a spokesman for the emergency services.

Huge amounts of mud and debris, following torrential rains, buried houses in two mountain villages north of Bandung. 34 victims have been identified, and the number of missing is estimated at 32, although authorities fear it is higher.

More than 50 houses were destroyed and 650 people were evacuated. Rescue teams are moving cautiously due to the risk of new landslides. The head of local government in western Java attributed the disaster to vegetable plantations in the area.

Disasters such as landslides are common in Indonesia during the rainy season. In November, floods in Sumatra left 1,200 dead. In early January, 16 people lost their lives on Siau Island due to floods.