27 quake survivors killed in Indonesian landslide

A woman swims across floodwater in Langkat, Riau island Monday. Indonesian troops and volunteer rescue workers were attempting to evacuate thousands of people trapped by flash floods which have killed nearly 100 people and forced more than 140,000 to flee their homes on the island of Sumatra. PHOTO: AFP

The landslide Sunday night hit the remote highland subdistrict of Muara Sipongi in North Sumatra province, which was struck by an earthquake a week ago. Those killed had returned to visit their homes after a week living in camps.

"Until this afternoon (Tuesday), we have evacuated 27 bodies from the landslide," local police chief Rudi Sumardiyanto told AFP from the town of Panyabungan.

"We have to stop evacuation efforts because it rained very hard in the area. It is still raining now," he said.

Six people were still missing, based on reports from families, said Sumardiyanto.

Residents had visited their homes after last week's quake despite warnings that it was still dangerous.