At least four people have been killed and a further three are missing following a landslide on the Tongo River in North Sulawesi. The river is currently in flood following exceptional rainfall, which has led to the evacuation of around 600 people from three villages in Gorontalo District. The landslide apparently happened close to Ombulo Hijau village, in Bone Pantai subdistrict, late in the evening of Friday 27 July 2013. All of the victims are said to be from a single family, and two of those known to have died were children, aged seven and ten.
Rescue workers recovering a body from the site of the 27 July 2013 Gorontalo landslide. Press TV.
Landslides are a common problem after severe weather events, as excess pore water pressure can overcome cohesion in soil and sediments, allowing them to flow like liquids. Approximately 90% of all landslides are caused by heavy rainfall.
The approximate location of the 27 July 2013 Gorontalo landslide. Google Maps.
See also Five people killed by landslip at Java brickworks, Three construction workers killed in Philippine landslip, Three workers killed in rockfall at Thai limestone quarry, Four children feared dead after after Philippine Landslide and Eruption on Mount Lokon, Sulawesi.
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