The death toll from multiple landslides in Central Java, Indonesia, has risen to 31, with at least 20 people still missing, according to the country’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). Torrential rains triggered the disasters last week in Banjarnegara and Cilacap, burying homes and forcing mass evacuations.
Rescue Efforts Underway
More than 700 personnel, including military, police, and volunteers, have been deployed to the affected regions. Heavy machinery, excavators, and tracking dogs are being used to sift through mud and debris, though officials warn that unstable terrain and continuous rainfall are complicating operations. Rescuers have already recovered dozens of bodies, while survivors are being relocated to temporary shelters.
Scale of Destruction
In Banjarnegara, the worst-hit district, at least 48 homes were destroyed, while hundreds of residents were evacuated. In Cilacap, landslides struck three villages, leaving widespread damage and displacing thousands. Officials report shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies in evacuation centers, raising concerns about secondary humanitarian crises.
Government Response
BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari confirmed that search operations remain ongoing, with authorities prioritizing both recovery and support for displaced families. The government has urged residents in high-risk areas to remain vigilant as Indonesia enters its monsoon season, which typically runs from November to April and often brings floods and landslides.
Outlook
The tragedy underscores Indonesia’s vulnerability to climate-driven disasters, with deforestation and unregulated hillside construction amplifying risks. As search teams continue to look for the missing, officials warn that further landslides remain possible if heavy rains persist.
Indonesian-Police-Picture-by-AWG97
