A landslide in Cibeunying village, located in the city of Cilacap, Central Java, has resulted in the tragic deaths of 11 individuals, according to the Indonesian disaster management agency. The incident occurred following heavy rainfall on Thursday, burying a number of houses and prompting urgent rescue operations for those still unaccounted for.
Rescue teams are currently engaged in the challenging task of locating a dozen individuals who remain missing, with reports indicating that the victims are buried between three to eight metres deep. Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the agency, confirmed the situation, stating, “Eleven people have been found dead, three yesterday and eight more today. Twelve people are still missing.”
The landslide is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by Indonesia’s wet season, which commenced in September and is expected to continue until April. This period is marked by increased risks of flooding and extreme rainfall, both of which contribute to the likelihood of landslides in vulnerable areas.
In January, another devastating landslide occurred in the city of Pekalongan, also in Central Java, claiming at least 25 lives. Such incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the region as it navigates the impacts of seasonal weather patterns.
As rescue efforts continue, the community in Cilacap is grappling with the aftermath of this disaster, highlighting the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies in areas prone to similar events. The Indonesian government, alongside local agencies, is working to provide support to affected families and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities.
The situation remains fluid as search and rescue operations proceed, with hopes of locating survivors amid the rubble. The impact of these events extends beyond immediate fatalities, affecting the broader community as it seeks to recover from yet another tragic episode in the face of natural disasters.
