JAKARTA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from landslides that struck Pekalongan region in Indonesia's Central Java province on Tuesday has risen to 18, according to the provincial disaster mitigation agency.

Bergas Catursasi Penanggungan, head of the Central Java disaster mitigation agency, said that over nine people are still missing following the landslides that occurred in Petungkriyono village. The landslides also critically injured 10 individuals, partially damaged two houses, and swept away several vehicles.

He said the floods and landslides in Pekalongan are believed to have been caused by heavy rain that fell in the area on Monday.

"The search for victims is still going on," he said, adding that heavy equipment was deployed to help search for other victims.

Penanggungan said humanitarian assistance, including food and temporary shelter, is being prepared for the affected families.

Landslides have become frequent in Indonesia during the rainy season. On Monday, five construction workers died when a landslide hit a village on the island of Bali following days of torrential rain. Enditem

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