Cianjur, W Java (ANTARA News) - A landslide destroyed four houses and buried the people inside in the West Java district of Cianjur on Thursday.

The landslide hit Ciawitali hamlet, Sukamekar village, Sukanagara sub-district, Cianjur district, after torrential rain showered the areas for several hours.

As of 08.15 pm local time, local residents still attempted to evacuate the victims being buried under their destroyed houses, some local residents told ANTARA.

Besides destroying four houses, the landslide from a 70 meter-high cliff also cut the main roads linking Sukamekar village to its neighboring areas.

Suryana, on-duty police officer of Sukanagara police precinct, said most of the people chose to stay at home during the heavy rainfall.

Therefore, when they suddenly heard the sounds of landslide at about 05.30 pm, some failed to rush out in time, he said.

Local residents worked hand-in-hand with military and police officers to search for the landslide victims being buried under their destroyed houses on Thursday evening.

But their efforts were hampered by absence of light, he said.

Over the past two months, various areas of West Java Province have continuously been showered by heavy rains.

As a result, floods and landslides occurred in some districts, including Bandung and Garut.

On March 9, a landslide also destroyed four houses and an Islamic school in Cihuni hamlet, Gandamekar village, Kadungora sub-district, Garut district.

There were no fatalities in the natural disaster but the house owners were evacuated to safer places.

On February 23, a deadly landslide hit PT Chakra`s Tea Plantation in Tenjolaya village, Pasirjambu subdistrict, Bandung regency, killing at least 44 people.

Among the dead victims were tea pickers and their children, including three infants. (*)

Editor: B Kunto Wibisono

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