Authorities confirmed Monday that at least 12 people have died and 18 others are missing following a landslide triggered by heavy rains at an illegal gold mine over the weekend on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia.
The head of the local rescue agency, Basarnas, stated that the landslide occurred on Sunday in the Sumowa area of Gorontalo province, claiming the lives of mine workers and nearby residents.
Five survivors have been evacuated so far, with rescue teams continuing to search for the 18 missing individuals on Monday.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency warned residents that rain is expected to continue in some areas of Gorontalo province on Monday and Tuesday.
They urged caution in case of further disasters, emphasizing the need for preparedness and safety measures.
Heavy rains have previously caused floods and mudslides, resulting in more than 50 fatalities in West Sumatra province, Indonesia, last May.
Rescue teams are actively engaged in search and rescue operations, navigating challenging conditions caused by ongoing rainfall and terrain instability.