A devastating landslide in Central Java, Indonesia, has claimed the lives of at least 25 people, as reported by local authorities. The disaster struck on Tuesday on a main road linking Pekalongan to the renowned tourist destination, the Dieng Plateau. Torrential rain in the city of Pekalongan triggered the landslide, leading to significant casualties and prompting a massive rescue operation.
Hundreds of rescuers were dispatched to the scene to aid in recovery efforts. However, adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and dense fog, forced rescuers to pause their operations on Friday. The treacherous conditions rendered the road to the landslide site inaccessible, compelling rescuers to embark on a challenging four-kilometer trek to reach the affected area.
Initially, officials reported 17 casualties due to the landslide. However, as search efforts continued, the death toll rose to 25 after three additional bodies were discovered before operations were suspended. Zulhawari Agustianto, spokesperson for the local rescue team, confirmed the updated figures and emphasized the challenges posed by the persistent inclement weather.
In an effort to mitigate further rainfall in Central Java, Indonesian authorities employed cloud seeding techniques on Friday. This involved dispersing salt into the atmosphere to prevent additional precipitation and facilitate more conducive conditions for rescue operations. Despite these measures, heavy rain continued to impede recovery efforts.
Java, Indonesia's most densely populated island, has been particularly vulnerable to such natural disasters due to its climatic conditions and topography. The affected region, known for its scenic Dieng Plateau, attracts numerous tourists annually. The sudden landslide has not only resulted in tragic loss of life but also disrupted travel and tourism in the area.
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