The death toll from the cold lava floods in West Sumatra Province of Indonesia has risen to 57, with 22 people still missing, a senior official of a local disaster agency said on Tuesday evening.
The cold lava floods on Saturday night, which were triggered by rains, destroyed buildings, roads and other infrastructure facilities in the regencies of Tanah Datar, Agam and Pariaman, and Padang Panjang town.
The rescuers have been carrying out operations using both heavy machinery and hand tools. They found several more bodies on Tuesday, bringing the total fatalities to 57. So far, the 22 people reported missing would be the target of the search and rescue operation, according to head of the rehabilitation and reconstruction unit of disaster management and mitigation agency of West Sumatra Province Ilham Wahab.
The official said that the rescuers would focus on the estuaries of the rivers as several bodies were already found in the areas. On land, the focus would be the spots where the victims were suspected to be buried by the cold lava, he added.
He noted that experts would consider the option of relocating the residents during the reconstruction and rehabilitation projects.
Under the influence of El Nino, the rainy season in Indonesia lasted longer than usual this year, resulting in frequent disasters such as flash floods and landslides.
Fatalities climb to 57 with 22 missing in Indonesia's lava floods
Fatalities climb to 57 with 22 missing in Indonesia's lava floods
Fatalities climb to 57 with 22 missing in Indonesia's lava floods
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
