Jakarta/UNI: Landslides striking Indonesia's western province of Riau Islands have left at least 17 people dead and 41 others missing, an official said on Wednesday.

The natural disaster occurred in Natuna Regency on Monday.

Heavy downpours were blamed for the disaster, said Syariffuddin Muhammad, secretary of Natuna disaster management and mitigation agency.

"Six more bodies were found on Wednesday, so the total casualties reached 17," he told Xinhua by phone.

The search and rescue for the victims would continue.

The disaster has forced over 1,000 residents to flee home, said Syariffuddin.