Indonesian rescuers are intensifying their efforts to locate victims of a devastating landslide in West Java that has claimed at least 11 lives. The landslide, triggered by torrential rains, struck the slopes of Mount Burangrang in the early hours of Saturday, burying around 34 houses in Pasir Langu village. As of Sunday, 79 individuals remain unaccounted for, with many believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
The rescue operation faces significant challenges due to the dangerous conditions, with rescuers grappling with mounds of mud and water-saturated ground. According to Ade Dian Permana from the search and rescue office, two additional bodies were recovered on Sunday morning, raising the death toll to 11. Rescue workers have been using farm tools and their bare hands to reach buried victims, as heavy machinery remains largely inactive due to the instability of the terrain.
Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Indonesia’s Vice President, visited the affected area on Sunday and highlighted the need for preventive measures against future disasters. He urged local authorities in West Java and West Bandung to address land conversion issues in areas prone to natural disasters. “We must consider ways to reduce risks in such locations,” he stated.
The head of the search and rescue agency, Basarnas, Mohammad Syafii, elaborated on the difficulties faced by rescue teams. “We are at the mercy of the weather, and the slide remains unstable,” he noted, emphasizing the need for comprehensive resources including drones and K-9 units to aid in the search. “Safety comes first,” he added, as conditions continue to deteriorate.
Seasonal rains, typically occurring from October to April, often result in flooding and landslides across Indonesia, an archipelago consisting of over 17,000 islands. Millions inhabit mountainous regions or fertile flood plains, making them particularly vulnerable to such disasters. As search operations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of rescue crews while striving to locate the missing individuals.
With approximately 230 residents evacuated to temporary government shelters, the situation remains critical as the community of Pasir Langu grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event. The ongoing search efforts reflect both the resilience of the local population and the pressing need for improved disaster risk management strategies in Indonesia.
