12 killed in Bali landslide; Indonesia warns of more rains

The landslide hit the Songan village in Bangli district of Bali late on Thursday following torrential rains in the region.

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Landslides block State Highway One near Kaikoura on the upper east coast of South Island Reuters

A massive landslide in Indonesia's popular tourist island of Bali has killed 12 people, including two children. The landslide hit the Songan village in Bangli district of Bali late on Thursday following torrential rains in the region.

Red Cross aid workers and the military personnel are engaged in rescue operations, the National Disaster Agency officials told Jakarta Globe. Police are carrying out search operations as well to find more survivors.

"Heavy rains are expected until Saturday in the districts of Bangli, Jembarana, Buleleng, Tabanan, Gianyar and Badung. Their residents are advised to be on alert as landslides, floods and strong winds can occur," National Disaster Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said.

Landslides are frequent in the Indonesian countryside during the rainy season but the resort island of Bali usually doesn't witness deadly landslides. Indonesia has been blamed for rapid deforestation and environmentalists have warned of serious consequences.

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