Landslide in West Java village kills at least nine; 81 reported missing

People reports that at least nine people have died and 81 others are missing after a landslide swept through Pasirlangu village in Cisarua, West Bandung district, West Java province, Indonesia, early on Saturday, Jan. 24.

The National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) said in a translated Facebook post that the slide, caused by heavy rain, struck at about 2:30 a.m. local time. As of 2 p.m., the Indonesian outlet Pos Kota reported nine confirmed dead, 81 missing and 23 found safe. The head of the Bandung SAR office, Ade Dian Permana, deployed an advanced team to search for victims, and SAR spokesperson Abdul Muhari told ABC News, "The number of missing persons is high; we will try to optimize our search and rescue efforts." Around 34 homes were buried and Pasir Kuning is believed to be the worst-hit area, ABC News reported.

Those who died and remain missing have not yet been identified, BASARNAS said, adding that victim status is being collected and authorities are coordinating with various parties to obtain valid data. Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has issued warnings of heavy rain and floods in recent days and said it will strengthen coordination with local ministries, regional governments and police while urging preparedness and vigilance.

Key Topics

World, Pasirlangu, Cisarua, West Bandung, West Java, Basarnas