Indonesian rescue teams are facing significant challenges as they search for individuals still missing after a devastating landslide on October 7, 2023. Triggered by heavy rainfall, the landslide occurred in the early hours of the morning on the slopes of Mount Burangrang, located in West Java province. At least 11 people have been confirmed dead, with 79 others unaccounted for, many feared buried under massive piles of mud and debris.
The landslide struck Pasir Langu village, burying around 34 homes beneath mud, rocks, and uprooted trees. As rescue operations continue, around 230 residents have been evacuated to temporary government shelters. Ade Dian Permana, an official from the local search and rescue office, confirmed that rescue workers recovered two additional bodies on Sunday, raising the death toll to 11.
Rescue Efforts Complicated by Terrain and Weather
Rescue teams are employing both manual and mechanical means to locate the missing. Videos released by the national search and rescue agency, known as Basarnas, reveal rescuers using farm tools and their hands to recover mud-caked bodies. However, heavy equipment remains largely unused due to the unstable ground conditions. “If the slope does not stabilise, crews are prepared to continue manually,” said Permana, who estimated that the height of the mud piles reaches up to five meters. He noted that some homes are buried to the roof level.
Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who visited the site on Sunday, urged local authorities to implement measures aimed at preventing similar disasters in the future. He emphasized the importance of addressing land conversion issues in disaster-prone areas to mitigate risks.
Meanwhile, Basarnas chief Mohammad Syafii acknowledged the difficulties posed by the ongoing adverse weather conditions. “We are at the mercy of the weather, and the slide is still mud… flowing and unstable,” he stated. He added that the extensive terrain complicates the search efforts, although the agency is utilizing various resources, including drones, K-9 teams, and ground units, to ensure safety during operations.
Seasonal Weather Patterns Contributing to Risks
The October to April rainy season in Indonesia often leads to severe flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions and fertile flood plains where millions reside. As the nation grapples with these recurring natural disasters, the focus remains on the immediate search for survivors and the implementation of long-term strategies to safeguard communities against future events.
As rescuers continue their efforts, the impact of this tragedy resonates deeply within the affected communities and beyond, highlighting the urgent need for effective disaster management and prevention strategies in regions susceptible to such catastrophic events.
