JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian rescuers recovered the bodies of at least 17 people who were either swept away by flash floods or buried beneath mud and rocks in the hilly villages of Central Java. Officials noted that eight individuals remain missing.

On Monday, torrential rains caused rivers to overflow in Pekalongan regency, which led to severe flooding through nine villages, particularly affecting the worst-hit area of Petungkriyono. Local Disaster Management Agency head, Bergas Catursasi, reported that rescue teams have thus far recovered 17 bodies, while eleven people were treated for injuries in nearby hospitals.

Efforts by police, soldiers, and rescue workers are ongoing as they navigate the challenging conditions. “Bad weather, mudslides, and rugged terrain hampered the rescue operation,” Catursasi reported. Those affected included individuals fishing and locals seeking shelter from the rain who were swept away by the floodwaters.

The disaster also led to the destruction of infrastructure, including two main bridges crucial for connecting villages in the Pekalongan district. The annual seasonal rains from October to March are known to cause flooding and landslides in Indonesia, a nation characterized by its mountainous regions and vulnerability to natural disasters. Previously, similar weather patterns have resulted in significant fatalities, such as a tragic landslide in West Java last month that claimed 12 lives, mirroring the devastation witnessed in the current event.

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