Rescue Efforts Underway Following Deadly Landslides in Java, Indonesia

Rescue teams in Indonesia are continuing their search operations today, Friday, for individuals missing after landslides caused by heavy rainfall on the island of Java. Authorities have confirmed three fatalities and report that twenty people are still unaccounted for.

In a statement, officials indicated that persistent rain over several days led to landslides that damaged numerous homes in three villages in Central Java on Thursday night. They noted that conditions remain hazardous in certain areas.

The national disaster management agency announced plans to evacuate residents from 28 homes located in high-risk zones. Suharianto, the head of the agency, stated: "We will evacuate residents from dangerous areas to ensure their safety before further landslides occur and more lives are at risk."

Authorities have deployed 200 rescue personnel along with heavy machinery to assist in the search efforts. Images broadcast by the national search and rescue agency showed teams sifting through debris in search of survivors or bodies.

This morning, rescue teams confirmed the recovery of the third body, while operations continue to locate the twenty missing individuals. Abdol Mahari, a spokesperson for disaster management, highlighted that the instability of the terrain poses significant challenges during what is referred to as the "golden hour" in rescue operations.

Indonesia frequently experiences landslides and flooding during the rainy season, which lasts from October to March. In January, over 20 people lost their lives due to similar flooding and landslides in Central Java.