Hundreds of rescuers in Central Java, Indonesia, are searching through thick mud and debris to locate survivors after a deadly landslide killed at least 19 people and left seven others missing. The disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall on Monday near Pekalongan city, caused bridges to collapse and buried homes and vehicles.

“The joint search and rescue team managed to find and evacuate two bodies on Wednesday morning, bringing the total fatalities to 19,” said Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). The number of missing persons has been reduced from nine to seven following the recovery of these bodies.

Thirteen people were reported injured, according to Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). Approximately 200 rescue personnel, supported by heavy machinery, have been deployed to clear roads and aid in the search efforts.

Local official Mohammad Yulian Akbar confirmed that the worst-hit area was Kasimpar village, where the landslide struck a coffee shop and nearby structures as people sought shelter from the rain. An emergency has been declared in the region for two weeks to manage the ongoing crisis.

“The priority is to search for and recover victims,” Akbar said, noting that adverse weather conditions, including continued rainfall, have hindered rescue efforts.

The weather forecast predicts moderate rain in the coming days, with warnings of potential floods, flash floods, and further landslides. Landslides are common in Indonesia during the rainy season, which lasts from November to April.

This disaster follows a series of weather-related tragedies in Indonesia. In November, severe flooding killed 27 people in western Indonesia, while heavy rains in May caused flash floods in West Sumatra, claiming 67 lives. Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating these events, increasing rainfall intensity and the risk of natural disasters.

Rescue teams continue their efforts, determined to find survivors despite the challenging conditions.

Channeltv