Indonesian flood kills dozens

“The rescue process is difficult because the two bridges … to the villages collapsed,” he said.

“The other way to reach the affected area is by sea using speed boats, but strong weather … is making that difficult.”

Rustam Pakaya, the head of the health ministry crisis centre, said a rescue team had been sent to the flood-hit area, but was not expected to arrive until the evening.

Floods and landslides are common in Indonesia, which is densely populated and prone to frequent heavy rains.