Landslide in Indonesia's Sulawesi island leaves 11 dead, 17 missing

(MENAFN) At least 11 lives have been tragically lost, and the fate of 17 others remains uncertain following a devastating landslide at a traditional gold mining site in Indonesia's Bone Bolango district, situated in the remote Gorontalo province. Local reports on Monday detailed ongoing efforts by rescue teams to search for survivors and recover victims amid challenging conditions.

Heriyanto, the head of the Gorontalo Search and Rescue (SAR) Office, provided updates indicating that eight bodies have been successfully retrieved from the landslide site, while three more victims await recovery. The operation is a concerted effort involving a total of 200 personnel, including SAR teams, security forces, and government officials, all dedicated to the search, evacuation, and support efforts in the affected area.

The rescue mission faces multiple challenges, exacerbated by unpredictable weather patterns that have disrupted access routes and complicated logistics. Additionally, the infrastructure leading to the site has been severely impacted, with several bridges damaged or washed away by the landslides and ensuing floods, further impeding rescue operations.

Despite these obstacles, rescue teams remain steadfast in their commitment to locate any remaining survivors and provide assistance to affected communities. The tragedy underscores the dangers inherent in traditional mining practices in Indonesia's remote regions, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures and disaster preparedness strategies to mitigate such catastrophic events in the future.

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