A landslide occurred on the Indonesian island of Java on Monday. After heavy rains, land collapsed on houses near the town of Pekalongan. At least 16 people have died, and emergency services were still searching for five people missing on Tuesday.
As local police reported on Tuesday, a landslide occurred on Monday near the city of Pekalongan in the province of Central Java, Indonesia. At least 16 people were killed and 10 were injured. The landslide was caused by heavy rainfall.
– The death of 16 people has been confirmed. Local police chief Dony Pracoso said ten of the injured were sent to hospitals and the nearest health center. In an interview with local television, he also confirmed that emergency services are still looking for five missing people. – It rained a lot in Pekalongan, most of it in mountainous areas, – he added.
“We race against the weather”
According to the “Borneo Bulletin” website, the search is based on the fact that this incident happened in an area where access is difficult. Local volunteers help in this initiative and special equipment is also provided.
– The search is ongoing and we don’t have much time. We are racing against the weather, said Bergas Katurasi of the crisis management agency in an interview with local television.
Slide in IndonesiaPAP/EPA/MADE NAGI
Abdul Muhari, who works in the same agency, says that the landslide destroyed not only houses, but also at least two bridges. Heavy rains are expected to continue in the region for several more days, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for residents of threatened areas. The central government in Jakarta was also approached for help.
The rainy season in Indonesia lasts from October to March. In November 2024, heavy rains caused floods and landslides in North Sumatra province, killing at least 20 people. In the same area, a flood hit a tourist bus and killed 9 people. In early December, at least 10 more people lost their lives due to an avalanche.
Slide in IndonesiaPAP/EPA/MADE NAGI
PAP, Borneo Bulletin, Reuters
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/MADE NAGI
