Rescue Efforts Underway After Indonesian Landslide Leaves Dozens Missing
At least seven people have lost their lives in a devastating landslide in the West Bandung region of Indonesia's West Java province, with dozens more still unaccounted for. The tragedy occurred at approximately 2am local time on Saturday morning when a strong flow of water and loose soil from Mount Burangrang slammed into some 30 homes in Pasirlangu village, catching most inhabitants off guard.
According to Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency, the number of missing persons is high, and search and rescue efforts are being optimised. "We will do our best to find survivors," he said.
Eyewitness accounts describe a loud rumbling sound preceding the landslide, which was accompanied by flash flooding in the affected area. Local Police Chief AY Yogaswara stated that residents heard the noise before it happened, adding to the chaos and destruction caused by the disaster.
Indonesia's armed forces, regional disaster management agency, volunteers, and local community members are all involved in emergency response efforts. Meanwhile, local authorities have ordered the evacuation of residents in areas prone to landslides, citing concerns about further tragedy.
The area affected by the landslide is estimated to cover around 30 hectares (74 acres), with reports indicating that flooding hit 20 out of the 30 sub-districts of West Java's Karawang regency due to overflowing rivers. The region has been experiencing extreme weather conditions, including heavy rains, for a week from Friday.
This disaster follows deadly landslides and flooding last month that left over 1,170 people dead across Indonesia's North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh provinces. The Indonesian government has filed lawsuits against six companies suspected of environmental degradation contributing to the disasters.
At least seven people have lost their lives in a devastating landslide in the West Bandung region of Indonesia's West Java province, with dozens more still unaccounted for. The tragedy occurred at approximately 2am local time on Saturday morning when a strong flow of water and loose soil from Mount Burangrang slammed into some 30 homes in Pasirlangu village, catching most inhabitants off guard.
According to Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency, the number of missing persons is high, and search and rescue efforts are being optimised. "We will do our best to find survivors," he said.
Eyewitness accounts describe a loud rumbling sound preceding the landslide, which was accompanied by flash flooding in the affected area. Local Police Chief AY Yogaswara stated that residents heard the noise before it happened, adding to the chaos and destruction caused by the disaster.
Indonesia's armed forces, regional disaster management agency, volunteers, and local community members are all involved in emergency response efforts. Meanwhile, local authorities have ordered the evacuation of residents in areas prone to landslides, citing concerns about further tragedy.
The area affected by the landslide is estimated to cover around 30 hectares (74 acres), with reports indicating that flooding hit 20 out of the 30 sub-districts of West Java's Karawang regency due to overflowing rivers. The region has been experiencing extreme weather conditions, including heavy rains, for a week from Friday.
This disaster follows deadly landslides and flooding last month that left over 1,170 people dead across Indonesia's North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh provinces. The Indonesian government has filed lawsuits against six companies suspected of environmental degradation contributing to the disasters.