Dialogos

Indonesia: Search for 80 Missing After Deadly Landslide in West Java

Published January 25, 2026, 08:00
Indonesia: Search for 80 Missing After Deadly Landslide in West Java

In Indonesia, rescue efforts are underway to find 80 missing people after a deadly landslide in West Java, which has already claimed the lives of at least 10 people. The landslide was caused by heavy rainfall, and more rain is expected in the next 24 hours, hindering the work of rescue teams. A local resident, Dendi Kurniawan, said it was the first time he had seen such a disaster in his village, as they usually only experience minor flooding. The landslide originated from the forest, suggesting possible soil destabilization due to deforestation or other environmental factors. The instability of the ground is preventing the use of heavy machinery in the rescue efforts, making the operation more difficult and time-consuming. Authorities are focusing on the safe recovery of the missing, taking into account the risks in the area. The deadly landslide comes a few months after another disaster on the island of Sumatra, where around 1,200 people lost their lives in floods and landslides, and more than a million residents were forced to leave their homes. These events highlight Indonesia's vulnerability to natural disasters and the need for better preparedness and risk management.