Thirteen people died on the eastern Indonesian island of Ternate after torrential rains caused flash floods that inundated residential areas, reported Associated Press, quoted by BTA.
Floods also flooded a main road and cut off access to the village of Rua in North Moluccas province, which has been worst hit by the natural disaster. Mudslides buried dozens of houses and other buildings. Rescue teams are working with local residents to retrieve the bodies of missing people.
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said that further heavy rain is still possible over the Ternate city area and its surroundings in the coming days. Local authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant and follow instructions in case of further flooding.
Heavy rains often cause mudslides and floods in Indonesia, where millions of people live in mountainous areas and near frequently flooded low-lying areas.