A devastating landslide triggered by relentless rain claimed at least 17 lives on Indonesia's main island of Java. The catastrophic event unfolded near Pekalongan city in Central Java province, as intense rainfall Monday afternoon caused havoc in the mountainous terrain. As rescue operations continue, nine individuals remain missing, raising concerns in the already hard-hit community.
The landslide wreaked havoc approximately 90 kilometers west of Semarang city. The deluge collapsed a bridge and submerged houses and vehicles in a thick layer of mud. Initially, officials reported only three missing people; however, the number has now increased to nine. At least ten individuals sustained injuries and received treatment at hospitals and local health centers.
"The joint team evacuated one more victim buried by the landslide. With the discovery… the number of victims who died reached 17," Abdul Muhari stated.
The challenging location of the landslide has significantly hampered rescue missions. Rescuers faced difficulties accessing the scene due to the destruction of infrastructure and ongoing adverse weather conditions.
"There is also a broken bridge. (Rescuers) must go around. There are still small landslides that must be cleared," Bergas Catursasi Penanggungan explained.
"The rain is also still pouring until now and it makes it difficult for the rescue team to scour the site," Abdul Muhari added.
The community continues to grapple with the aftermath as search efforts intermittently halted due to persistent heavy rain on Tuesday morning. The landslide buried two houses and dragged several vehicles through the area, complicating efforts for those attempting to clear debris and locate survivors.
"Going forward, for those who are buried under thicker soil, we hope for assistance from heavy equipment," Bergas Catursasi Penanggungan urged.
Indonesia's susceptibility to landslides is well-documented during its rainy season, spanning from November to April. Last November, similar disastrous weather events resulted in flooding that claimed 27 lives in western Indonesia.
"The rainfall in Pekalongan was quite high, and the worst affected area… is in a hilly or mountainous area," remarked Doni Prakoso Widamanto.
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