Indonesian rescuers are engaged in a challenging search operation following a landslide that occurred on Saturday, March 9, 2024, in West Java province. The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, has resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, with many more still unaccounted for. As of Sunday, March 10, 79 people remain missing, feared buried beneath mounds of mud and debris.
The landslide struck the slopes of Mount Burangrang, devastating the village of Pasir Langu and burying approximately 34 homes. Rescue efforts are complicated by the unstable ground, which has rendered heavy machinery largely ineffective. Rescuers have resorted to using hand tools and their bare hands to search for victims, as the mud is reported to reach heights of up to five metres in some areas.
Ade Dian Permana, an official from the search and rescue office, confirmed that two bodies were recovered on Sunday morning, raising the death toll to 11. The search for the missing individuals is ongoing, but the conditions remain hazardous. “If the slope does not stabilise, crews are prepared to continue manually,” Permana remarked. He noted that some homes are buried to the roof level, making the search more urgent.
Evacuations have taken place for approximately 230 residents living near the disaster site, who have been relocated to temporary government shelters. The Indonesian Vice President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, visited the affected area on Sunday and emphasized the need for preventive measures to mitigate future disasters. He urged local authorities in West Java and West Bandung to address land conversion practices in disaster-prone areas to reduce risks.
Search operations are further hampered by adverse weather conditions. Mohammad Syafii, chief of the National Search and Rescue Agency, known as Basarnas, stated that the terrain and ongoing weather issues complicate their efforts. “We are at the mercy of the weather, and the slide is still mud… flowing and unstable,” Syafii said. He added that despite the challenges, every available resource, including drones and K-9 teams, will be utilized in the search.
Indonesia frequently faces seasonal flooding and landslides due to its geographical makeup and climatic conditions. The rainy season, which typically spans from October to April, poses significant risks for millions living in mountainous regions or near fertile flood plains. The current tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the nation in managing natural disasters and the urgent need for long-term solutions to safeguard vulnerable communities.
