Landslides in Indonesia's Natuna district, Riau Islands province, on the third day, has shown better progress, according to the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB).

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The death toll of the landslides in Indonesia’s Natuna district has increased to 30 people, 24 others are still missing and there are 1,216 evacuees, according to the search and rescue data as of Thursday (March 9).

The emergency management after the landslides on Serasan Island, Natuna district, Riau Islands province, on the third day, has shown better progress, Head of the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB) Suharyanto told a press conference in Natuna district on Thursday.

Several developments have been seen in the field including the recovery of the communication network system, Suharyanto said, adding that BNPB as the national telecommunications network service provider on Serasan Island has repaired the BTS (Base Transceiver Station) towers.

As a backup, Suharyanto also said that there were several satellite phone devices provided by BNPB and the military, ensuring that all of the devices could be used at any emergency time.

According to him, until Thursday, road access was still cut off because it was covered with avalanche materials. The main obstacle faced in the process of opening the road is the weather conditions which are very dynamic, and rains still occur frequently.

He ensured that the government through the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing would provide more heavy equipment so that the road which is still cut off could be opened within two days.

If the road access can be overcome, the seven electricity poles that collapsed due to the landslides would begin to be re-installed and restored so that electricity needs can return to normal, Suharyanto said.

He pointed out that there have been no problems with the basic needs including clean water for the 1,216 evacuees as so far humanitarian assistance continued to arrive, and the central government through BNPB has sent another 16 tons of aid.

As many as 1,216 evacuees have received basic logistical needs as of Thursday (March 9). The central government through BNPB has supported 16 tons of humanitarian aid that have been sent to Serasan Island, Natuna district.

Reporting by Indonesia Window