A deadly landslide in Central Java, Indonesia, has claimed two lives and left 21 people missing, authorities confirmed on Friday. Torrential rains over several days triggered landslides that devastated dozens of homes in three villages in the region.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that unstable ground conditions posed a significant challenge for rescue teams during the critical golden hour. Despite these obstacles, search and rescue operations resumed on Friday morning with heavy equipment deployed to speed up efforts.
Footage released by the National Search and Rescue Agency showed rescuers combing through rubble using both heavy machinery and manual tools to reach victims trapped under debris. Teams worked tirelessly to recover those buried and to provide assistance to the affected communities.
Heavy seasonal rains between October and March frequently lead to flooding and landslides in Indonesia, an archipelago of 17,000 islands. Millions of residents live in mountainous areas or near fertile floodplains, making them particularly vulnerable to natural disasters.
This incident is the latest in a series of deadly landslides and floods in Central Java. Earlier this year, over 20 residents were killed after torrential rains caused rivers to burst, sweeping villages with mud, rocks, and debris. Rescuers recovered at least 17 bodies in the worst-hit village of Petungkriyono, while several others were reported missing.
Local authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant, particularly during periods of heavy rain, and have deployed emergency teams to assist in evacuation and relief efforts.
Officials emphasize the importance of early warning systems and disaster preparedness as climate change contributes to more frequent extreme weather events in the region. Meanwhile, rescue operations in the latest landslide continue, as teams strive to locate the missing 21 individuals.
As the community reels from the tragedy, the focus remains on saving lives and providing support to affected families.
