The death toll from a devastating landslide near Pekalongan city in Central Java province has climbed to 22 as search efforts were halted on Thursday due to adverse weather conditions. The landslide, triggered by intense rainfall on Monday, has left four individuals unaccounted for and resulted in injuries to at least 13 people. Search and rescue operations are set to resume on Friday as weather permits.
The landslide occurred amidst Indonesia's rainy season, which typically spans from November to April. Torrential rains initiated the landslide, causing widespread destruction by collapsing bridges and burying cars and houses under thick mud. Heavy equipment was deployed to the worst-hit Kasimpar village to aid in the search efforts, focusing particularly on the remains of a local official's house and a cafe where victims are believed to be buried.
"The victims who were found dead are now 22. Four people are still being searched for," – Budiono
Rescue teams have been working diligently to clear debris from roads, but operations were paused on Thursday evening due to the risk of further landslides. The current weather conditions pose a significant threat to the safety of the rescue personnel on site.
"If it rains, we immediately stop because it can endanger the rescue team on the ground," – Budiono
Efforts are concentrated on two key locations: the house of a local official and a nearby cafe. Additionally, the search extends to the adjacent river, as some victims might have been swept away by the current.
"We are focusing on those two spots and the nearby river. Victims might have been carried to the river because of the current," – Budiono
Indonesia frequently experiences landslides during the rainy season, making such natural disasters a recurrent challenge for the nation. Earlier in May, heavy rains led to flash floods in West Sumatra, claiming at least 67 lives.
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