Landslide in Indonesia leaves 15 dead and many missing

A landslide struck the island of Serasan in Indonesia on Monday.

The island is located in the Natuna region of the Rian province, between Borneo and peninsular Malaysia and is home to 8000 people.

The area experienced six days of heavy rain prior to the event, which played a major role in the triggering of the landslide.   

At least 15 people have been confirmed dead and another 50 missing, after dozens of houses were buried in mud.

A search and rescue team of 60 was dispatched on Monday, while two helicopters carrying food, blankets and tents are to be added to the mission.

It is worth mentioning that landslides are common in Indonesia during the rainy season. However, their probability of occurrence has been enhanced, in some areas, by deforestation.

Finally, experts claim that disasters related to weather phenomena are expected to worsen in the future due to climate change.