Central Java: Death toll from Indonesian landslides rises to 30, at least 20 still missing
The death toll from landslides in two regions of Indonesia’s Central Java has risen to 30 as rescue efforts continue.
Some 21 people remain missing after landslides triggered by torrential rain struck the city of Cilacap last week and the Banjarnegara region at the weekend, the agency said.
Rescuers found seven more bodies in Banjarnegara, the worst-affected area, on Thursday, bringing the death toll to 10 with 18 still missing, Abdul Muhari, the agency’s spokesperson said.
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At least 700 rescuers including police and military personnel continue to look for the missing, using excavators to speed up the search.
“We face several obstacles in the search, particularly with landslide ponds filled with debris and continuously flowing waters also risks new landslides due to rains,” Muhari said.
In Cilacap, rescuers found four more bodies this week bringing the death toll to 20 with three people still missing, Muhari said.
Authorities have extended search operations there until next week, and nearly 400 residents have been evacuated.
Indonesia’s wet season started in September and will continue until April, according to the weather agency, raising the risk of floods and extreme rainfall in many areas.
