ASIATODAY.ID, WEST JAVA — A deadly landslide struck Cisarua district in Indonesia’s West Java province, killing at least 16 people and leaving dozens still missing, authorities said on Sunday, as rescue teams race against unstable ground and the threat of further collapses.
Indonesia’s National Police confirmed that 16 bodies have been recovered from the landslide site in Pasirlangu village, Bandung Barat regency, as of midday Sunday.
Victim identification is being carried out at a local health center serving as a Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) post.
“We have received 16 body bags so far. Several victims have been identified and handed over to their families,” said West Java Police spokesperson Hendra, adding that identification efforts are ongoing using antemortem data provided by relatives.
Authorities said four additional bodies were recovered later on Sunday, with two victims already positively identified. The remaining bodies are undergoing forensic verification before being released to families.
More Than 100 Affected, Search Hampered by Unstable Terrain
According to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), at least 113 residents were affected by the landslide. Of that number, 23 people survived, while around 76 residents remain unaccounted for, most believed to be buried under thick mud and debris.
“Search-and-rescue operations are continuing, but the figures remain provisional and subject to field verification,” said BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari in a statement.
Rescue teams comprising Indonesia’s search and rescue agency, police, military personnel, local authorities, and volunteers have deployed heavy machinery to clear debris.
However, efforts are progressing slowly due to unstable soil conditions and the risk of secondary landslides.
Geological Agency Warns of Possible Secondary Landslides
Indonesia’s Geological Agency under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has warned residents and responders to remain alert for potential follow-up landslides, particularly during prolonged heavy rainfall.
Acting Geological Agency head Lana Saria said the disaster was triggered by intense rainfall, combined with steep slopes, weathered volcanic rock formations, and poor surface drainage.
“The affected area falls within a moderate landslide susceptibility zone. Ground movement may recur, especially under sustained rainfall conditions,” Lana said.
She added that land modification for housing and road access, including slope cutting, had contributed to reduced slope stability in the hilly area.
Evacuation Urged, Safety of Rescuers Prioritized
The Geological Agency has deployed an Emergency Response Team to assess the affected area, estimated at around 30 hectares, and to issue technical recommendations for disaster mitigation.
Residents living near steep slopes have been urged to evacuate to safer locations, while authorities emphasized that rescue operations may be suspended during heavy rain to protect responders from further hazards.
Indonesia, an archipelago prone to floods and landslides, frequently experiences natural disasters during the rainy season, particularly in densely populated areas with vulnerable terrain. (AT Network)
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