At least seven people have died and 82 others are reported missing following a massive landslide in Indonesia’s West Java province, according to the country’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
The agency’s spokesperson, Abdul Muhari, confirmed the casualties and missing persons on Saturday.
According to Reuters, heavy rainfall in West Bandung caused a large portion of a mountainside to collapse, burying several homes under debris and trapping many residents.
Rescue operations are ongoing, but authorities warn that continuous rainfall, unstable terrain, and massive layers of fallen earth could hamper recovery efforts.
Provincial officials cautioned that more people may still be trapped under the rubble, raising concerns that the death toll could rise. Residents from high-risk areas have already been evacuated to safer locations, and emergency aid is being prepared for affected communities.
Landslides are common in Indonesia’s mountainous regions during the rainy season. Experts cite unplanned settlements and deforestation as key factors contributing to these disasters.
Source: Reuters.