A landslide struck Indonesia’s Java island early in the morning due to heavy rain, resulting in the death of at least eight individuals and leaving 82 individuals missing. The incident occurred in Pasir Langu village, West Bandung district, West Java province, where continuous rain caused rivers to overflow, leading to the destruction of 34 houses by mud, rocks, and trees.

Rescue teams are working tirelessly in the deep mud to locate survivors and recover those missing. Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Agency, reported that 24 people escaped the disaster, while eight bodies were found in the severely affected Pasir Kuning hamlet.

Footage broadcasted on television depicted frantic efforts by workers and locals digging through the mud in Pasir Langu, which was completely covered in debris. Teten Ali Mungku Engkun, in charge of West Java’s Disaster Management Office, highlighted the challenges faced in the search-and-rescue operations due to unstable ground and continuous rainfall.

Evacuations were carried out for families living near the landslide area, fearing additional slope collapses. Authorities emphasized the importance of residents in landslide-prone regions remaining vigilant and evacuating promptly upon hearing unusual sounds or observing soil movements.

This incident follows devastating floods and landslides in Sumatra last December, where over 1,200 people lost their lives. Indonesia, with its diverse geography, is prone to seasonal flooding and landslides, affecting millions of people residing in mountainous regions and floodplains.

In a similar event last January, Central Java province witnessed over 20 fatalities from floods and landslides caused by heavy rains. The Indonesian government continues to urge preparedness and swift action in response to natural disasters in the region.