Indonesian rescuers are engaged in a challenging search operation following a devastating landslide that struck Pasir Langu village in West Java province on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Triggered by torrential rains, the landslide has resulted in at least 11 confirmed fatalities, with 79 individuals still unaccounted for.
The disaster occurred during the predawn hours when a massive flow of mud and debris cascaded down the slopes of Mount Burangrang, burying approximately 34 houses. As rescue teams sift through the wreckage, many fear that the missing persons may be trapped beneath several meters of mud, rocks, and uprooted trees.
Emergency responders retrieved two additional bodies on Sunday morning, increasing the official death toll to 11, according to Ade Dian Permana from the local search and rescue office. With the ground conditions proving hazardous, rescue workers have resorted to using basic tools and their hands to locate victims. Videos released by the Basarnas agency illustrate the arduous efforts being made to recover bodies from the thick mud.
Rescue Operations Complicated by Weather Conditions
The situation remains precarious, as heavy machinery has been largely ineffective due to the unstable terrain. “If the slope does not stabilise, crews are prepared to continue manually,” Permana stated, highlighting that some areas contain mud piles reaching heights of up to five meters. “Some homes are buried up to the roof level,” he noted.
On Sunday, Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the area and emphasized the need for preventative measures to avert future disasters. He urged local authorities in West Java and West Bandung to address the critical issue of land conversion in disaster-prone areas, advocating for strategies to mitigate risks associated with such calamities.
Accompanying Gibran, Basarnas chief Mohammad Syafii acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by the terrain and adverse weather conditions. “We are at the mercy of the weather, and the slide is still mud … flowing and unstable,” he remarked. Syafii confirmed that a wide array of resources, including drones and K-9 teams, are being deployed in the search effort, although the safety of personnel remains paramount.
Indonesia frequently experiences seasonal rains and high tides from October to April, which often lead to flooding and landslides across the country. As an archipelago with over 17,000 islands, many residents live in mountainous regions or near fertile flood plains, increasing their vulnerability to natural disasters.
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on locating the missing individuals and providing assistance to those affected by the landslide.
