Indonesian authorities on Sunday resumed large-scale search and rescue operations in West Java after a rain-triggered landslide struck residential areas in West Bandung regency, killing at least 16 people and leaving around 80 others missing.
The landslide occurred early Saturday after heavy rainfall, burying homes and forcing hundreds of residents to flee, as officials warned that worsening weather and unstable terrain could further complicate rescue efforts.
Search efforts, involving the national rescue agency, military personnel, police, and volunteers, restarted after being suspended overnight due to severe weather conditions.
Authorities said heavy rain and unstable ground on Saturday prevented the deployment of heavy machinery, requiring rescuers to excavate manually while using drones and canine units to locate victims.
Officials confirmed that approximately 30 homes were affected, displacing an estimated 300 to 400 people, while reports indicated that some soldiers may also be among the missing, though those details remain under verification.
Weather forecasts have warned of continued moderate to heavy rainfall in West Java in the coming days, raising concerns over further landslides and flooding as operations continue.
Resident Dedi Kurniawan described the unusual nature of the disaster, saying, “Sometimes we have only small floods from the nearest river, but this time [the landslide] came from the forest.”
The landslide unfolded amid widespread flooding across West Java, including in Jakarta, where residents in heavily affected areas were forced to evacuate to higher ground.
Authorities said the incident reflects a broader pattern of seasonal disasters during Indonesia’s rainy period, which typically runs from October through March.
The disaster follows severe flooding and landslides in recent months that have strained emergency services and prompted heightened disaster response measures in several provinces.
In Central Java, officials extended an emergency response period through early February as floods and landslides continue to affect communities.
As rescue teams press on in West Bandung, authorities urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, warning that prolonged rainfall could intensify risks across the region.