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Rescuers in Indonesia are racing against time and treacherous terrain as the death toll from a devastating landslide in West Java has risen to 25, with dozens more still feared buried under meters of mud.
The disaster, triggered by torrential rainfall, struck the village of Pasir Langu in the West Bandung district in the early hours of Saturday morning. As of Sunday afternoon, search and rescue officials reported that while 14 additional bodies had been recovered, approximately 79 to 80 people remain missing.
"Like Thunder"
The landslide occurred at approximately 2:30 AM local time on Saturday, catching residents in their sleep. Survivors described a terrifying rumble that shook the ground moments before the hillside gave way.
"There was a rumbling noise, like thunder," said Oyoh, a 52-year-old resident who goes by one name. "It had been raining non-stop since the morning, and then it happened. I immediately felt scared." While Oyoh survived, she told reporters that her niece, her niece's husband, and their two children are among the missing.
Local authorities estimate that over 30 houses were completely buried under the deluge of soil, rocks, and uprooted trees.
Rescue Efforts Hampered
Search and rescue operations have been complicated by unstable soil and continuing adverse weather. Heavy equipment, including excavators, has largely remained idle as the ground is too soft to support the machinery. Instead, rescue teams, soldiers, and police are forced to dig manually using farm tools, shovels, and sometimes their bare hands.
"The soil conditions in the affected area remain unstable and at risk of further landslides," said Ade Dian Permana, head of the Bandung Search and Rescue Office.
Operations were temporarily suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns for the rescue workers but are expected to resume as weather permits. Drones are currently being deployed to scan the debris field for signs of life.
A recurring tragedy
The disaster has displaced roughly 230 residents, who have been evacuated to temporary government shelters and village halls.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesperson, Abdul Muhari, confirmed that intense rains were the primary trigger, but environmentalists have also pointed to deforestation and land conversion in the mountainous region as contributing factors.
Seasonal rains in Indonesia frequently cause landslides and flash floods, a risk exacerbated in recent years by extreme weather patterns. This tragedy follows a similar incident on Sumatra island late last year, where landslides and floods claimed over 1,000 lives.
Local officials have warned that with the rainy season still at its peak, the potential for further slides in the West Bandung regency remains high.
Key Updates at a Glance
- Confirmed Death Toll: 25 (Rose from 11 after 14 bodies were recovered Sunday).
- Missing Persons: Approximately 80 people.
- Location: Pasir Langu Village, West Bandung, West Java.
- Displaced: ~230 residents evacuated to safety.
- Status of Operation: Search paused intermittently due to unstable ground and rain.
