At least 21 people are dead after extensive flooding led to landslides on Indonesia’s main island of Java. According to The Associated Press, on Monday, flooding tore through nine villages in the Pekalongan regency of Central Java province, causing landslides from the nearby mountains.
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National Search and Rescue Agency released images and videos showing search parties frantically digging in villages where roads and green-terraced rice fields had become murky brown mud. Thick mud, rocks, and uprooted trees covered the buildings in the villages.
National Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari stated that the flooding had triggered a landslide that buried two houses and a cafe in the Petungkriyono resort area. The flooding and landslides also destroyed 25 homes, a dam, and three main bridges that connected the villages in Java’s Pekalongan regency.
With the 21 dead, 13 people were reportedly injured and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Nearly 300 others were forced to evacuate from their homes. They were placed in temporary Indonesian government shelters.
Unfortunately, the search and rescue efforts stalled due to bad weather. Mudslides and rugged terrain also caused the search to halt.
Search and rescue operations resumed on Wednesday. Workers went through rivers and destroyed villages to find bodies and survivors. Budiono, who heads a local rescue office, said the worst-hit village was Kasimpar. Among the dead was a 5-month-old baby.
Multiple Provinces Were Devastated By Flooding and Landslides
Meanwhile, Muhari further confirmed that flooding and landslides were reported in many other provinces.
In Denpasar, located on the tourist island of Bali, a landslide decimated five homes, killing four people and leaving one missing.
Bergas Catursasi, who heads the local Disaster Management Agency, also spoke to ABC News about the natural disaster.
“Bad weather, mudslides, and rugged terrain hampered the rescue operation,” he confirmed. Catursasi said those who were fishing in the river or taking shelter from the rain were swept away by the flooding.
A landslide, flash floods, and strong wings hit the Sukabumi district of West Java province last month. A dozen people died in the devastation.
In November 2024, a landslide and flash floods hit Indonesia’s North Sumatra province, leaving 20 dead and two missing. Another landslide in the same region hit a tourist bus, killing nine people.
ABC News further reported that seasonal rain in Indonesia occurs between October and March. It causes frequent flooding and landslides throughout the country.