Landslide in West Bandung, Indonesia Leaves Seven Dead and Many Missing

Rescue operations continue in West Bandung, West Java, after a landslide claimed at least seven lives and left dozens unaccounted for, local officials reported.

Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, said on Saturday, “The number of missing people remains high. We are focusing on maximizing search and rescue efforts today.”

According to Indonesian outlet Kompas, the landslide struck Pasirlangu village around 2 a.m. local time on Saturday (19:00 GMT Friday). A powerful flow of water and loose soil from Mount Burangrang engulfed approximately 30 homes while most residents were asleep.

Local Police Chief AY Yogaswara told Jakarta’s Antara news agency that the disaster was accompanied by flash flooding. “Residents reported hearing a loud rumble when the landslide occurred,” he said.

Emergency response involves the Indonesian armed forces, regional disaster management teams, volunteers, and local community members.

Authorities have ordered evacuations in areas prone to landslides to prevent further casualties. The landslide is estimated to have affected around 30 hectares (74 acres) of land, Kompas added.