A landslide in central Indonesia has resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people, with two others still missing, local authorities have confirmed.
The landslide struck two villages in the Tana Toraja regency of South Sulawesi province, causing significant loss of life and destruction.
Sulaiman Malia, head of the local disaster agency, reported that four fatalities occurred in South Makale village, while 15 others perished in Makale village.
Efforts to locate the missing individuals are ongoing as rescue teams continue their search amidst the debris.
The region has experienced heavy rainfall in recent weeks, leading to soil erosion in residential areas situated on mountain slopes.
This erosion triggered the landslides that engulfed homes and resulted in the loss of life.
Indonesia is no stranger to natural disasters, with landslides and floods occurring frequently during the rainy season.
Deforestation has exacerbated the risk in certain areas, leaving communities more vulnerable to such calamities.
