Indonesian officials in West Java Province announced on Monday (January 26) that a large-scale landslide in the Cisarua District of Kabupaten Bandung Barat has resulted in the deaths of 17 people, with dozens more reported missing.
The disaster management agency of West Java Province stated that the landslide occurred around 3 a.m. local time on Saturday (24th) due to persistent heavy rainfall in the Pasir Langu village of the Cisarua District, located about 100 kilometers southeast of the capital, Jakarta. More than 30 houses were buried or severely damaged by mudslides, leading to the urgent evacuation of about 400 residents to temporary shelters.
The Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency dispatched approximately 250 rescue personnel to the Cisarua District on Sunday, comprising a joint effort of the Indonesian National Army, police, and other relevant agencies. However, due to unstable soil conditions and ongoing risks from rainfall, rescue operations had to be temporarily halted multiple times.
The disaster management agency of West Java Province informed Reuters on Monday (26th) that the confirmed death toll has risen to 17 as rescue efforts continue, while 73 individuals remain missing.
The government of Kabupaten Bandung Barat has declared a local state of emergency to expedite search and rescue operations and provide relief supplies. Nevertheless, the Indonesian Meteorological Agency has cautioned that West Java Province and several other regions may continue to experience heavy rainfall over the next week.