At least 17 dead after severe Sumatra floods in Indonesia

In Indonesia, at least 17 people have been killed and nine are missing after days of heavy rain triggered floods and landslides on the island of Sumatra. Authorities said, some 12,000 people have been evacuated, and hundreds of buildings, bridges and roads damaged. The severe weather has affected nine districts across Bengkulu province. Officials said, the waters have receded in some places but the full extent of the damage was not yet known as some areas are still cut



off. 

National Disaster Agency said, the impact of the disaster may increase and landslides and floods could happen again if rain is high. Public kitchens and evacuation shelters have been set up to cater to those affected by the flooding, while search and rescue teams are trying to reach hard-hit areas with rubber boats. Landslides and floods are common in Indonesia, especially between October and April, when rains lash the vast Southeast Asian archipelago.