Search Continues for Missing Persons After Landslides in Indonesia's Java Island

Rescue teams in Indonesia are continuing their search for missing individuals today, Friday, following landslides triggered by heavy rainfall that has affected Java Island in recent days. Authorities have confirmed that three people have died, while twenty others remain missing.

In a statement, officials noted that persistent rainfall over several days led to landslides that damaged numerous homes across three villages in Central Java province on Thursday evening. They warned that conditions remain hazardous in certain areas.

The National Disaster Management Agency announced plans to evacuate residents from 28 homes situated in high-risk zones. Agency head Suharyanto emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We will evacuate residents from at-risk areas to prevent further landslides and additional casualties."

Approximately 200 rescue personnel have been deployed, along with heavy machinery, to aid in the search operations. Footage from the National Search and Rescue Agency depicted teams sifting through debris in search of survivors or remains.

This morning, rescue teams confirmed the recovery of a third body, while efforts continue to locate the 20 missing individuals. Abdol Mahari, a spokesperson for the disaster management agency, highlighted that soil instability presents a significant challenge during the critical "golden hour" of rescue efforts.

Indonesia is prone to landslides and flooding during the rainy season, which lasts from October to March. In January, similar weather events resulted in over 20 fatalities in Central Java province.