Indonesia floods sparked by torrential rains kill at least 5

Mud hampers rescue attempts as four remain missing on the island of Java

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  Rescuers search for survivors amidst debris following a flash flood in which 11 people have so far been reported missing, in Malang, East Java on November 4, 2021. (Photo by Str / AFP)

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  According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management, heavy rain triggered the flash flood. EPA

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  Rivers on the slopes of Mount Arjuno overflowed their banks on Thursday and their muddy waters inundated five hamlets in Kota Batu. AFP

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  Heavy rains are expected to continue and increase until February, partly because of a La Nina weather pattern. EPA

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  Relief efforts were hampered by blocked roads covered with thick mud and debris. AP Photo

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  Authorities were still collecting information about damage and possible casualties as they evacuated people in affected areas to government shelters. EPA

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  Severe flooding was also reported in other areas of the country but no casualties were reported. AP Photo

Flash flooding sparked by torrential rains have killed at least five people in Indonesia, officials say.

The country's National Disaster Mitigation Agency said rivers on the slopes of Java's Mount Arjuno overflowed their banks on Thursday and their muddy waters inundated five hamlets in Kota Batu, a city in East Java province. It said 15 people were swept away and five were later rescued.

Agency chief Ganip Warsito said heavy rains are expected to continue and increase until February, partly because of a La Nina weather pattern.

Rescuers retrieved a body near Brantas river basin late on Thursday and four more bodies were found Friday morning, said the agency’s acting spokesperson Abdul Muhari. They are still searching for the four missing people, he said.

Relief efforts were hampered by blocked roads covered with thick mud and debris.

Photos and videos released by the agency showed a damaged bridge, and houses and cars covered in thick mud.

Authorities were still collecting information about damage and possible casualties, and they were beginning to evacuate people in affected areas to government shelters, Mr Muhari said.

Severe flooding was also reported in other areas of the country but no casualties were reported, the agency said.

Seasonal rains frequently cause flooding and landslides in Indonesia, an archipelago of 17,000 islands where millions of people live in mountainous areas or near fertile flood plains.