Heavy rain triggered a landslide last Saturday in Pasirlangu village, southeast of Jakarta, Indonesia, destroying dozens of homes and displacing hundreds of residents. The disaster has claimed the lives of 44 people, with at least 20 more still missing as of today.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Thousands of rescuers, including members of the military, police, and volunteers, are continuing to search for those missing. The search, which began nearly a week ago, has been extended until February 6th, according to Mohammad Syafii, head of the national search and rescue agency. However, current weather conditions – light to moderate rain and fog – are limiting visibility and hindering progress. “The area is experiencing light to moderate rain accompanied by a light fog so there is limited visibility,” Syafii stated.
More than 50 houses have been seriously damaged, and over 650 people have been displaced by the landslide.
The Role of Deforestation
Provincial governor Dedi Mulyadi has attributed the disaster to the conversion of forested land into vegetable plantations. “What used to be forested areas and mountains have all become farmland,” he said during a visit to the affected area. This assessment aligns with previous government statements regarding similar disasters on Sumatra island late last year, where forest loss contributed to flooding and landslides that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and displaced over 240,000 people.
Such disasters are common throughout the Indonesian archipelago during the rainy season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the landslide?
Heavy rain triggered the landslide, but the extent of the damage was exacerbated by the loss of forested areas, which provide natural protection against landslides.
How many people are still missing?
At least 20 people are currently missing, according to the head of the national search and rescue agency, Mohammad Syafii.
When is the search and rescue operation expected to conclude?
The search and rescue operation has been extended until February 6th.
As rescue efforts continue, it remains possible that the number of casualties will rise. The ongoing rainy season could further complicate the situation and potentially trigger additional landslides in the region.
