8 killed as landslide, flash floods hit Indonesia's West Java

JAKARTA, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed on Saturday after a landslide struck West Bandung Regency of Indonesia's West Java Province, as rescuers continued searching for 82 others, according to the National Disaster Management Agency.

The disaster occurred at around 3:00 a.m. local time. Residents reported hearing a loud rumbling sound before soil and mud swept from Pasirkuning Village toward Pasir Kuda Village.

Dozens of houses were reported to have been buried by landslide debris and mud, causing severe damage to residential areas near the affected site.

Rescue operations have been hampered by difficult terrain, thick landslide material and the potential for further rainfall.

Local authorities have urged residents living near the affected area to remain alert and stay away from landslide-prone zones, citing the risk of secondary disasters due to unstable soil conditions.■