Toll from floods, landslides rises to 19

The death toll from floods and landslides on the island of Sumatra has risen to 19, with dozens still missing, a rescue official said yesterday.

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Extreme weather has battered North Sumatra for several days, triggering floods and landslides in several districts across the province.

"There is no update so far this morning. In total, for all the affected locations, 19 people died," national search and rescue agency official Emy Freezer told AFP, citing data from Wednesday night.

He added that at least 24 people were reported missing in six locations.

Road access to the affected areas has been cut, as have telecommunication and electricity services, Mr Emy said.