Search continues for missing Fisherman in Bogor Landslide
Bogor, West Java – A search operation is ongoing for a man who went missing after a landslide struck a fishing pond in Cipayung girang Village, Megamendung district, Bogor Regency, on Sunday evening. Authorities are working diligently to locate the individual,with efforts continuing into Monday.
Incident Details & Initial Response
The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 PM on July 6th. According to officials from the Bogor Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the victim, identified as Oden Sumantri, a resident of Bojonggede, Bogor Regency, was fishing near the Ciesek River when a section of the fishing pond’s embankment gave way due to a landslide.
Reports indicate that the fishing pond manager had cautioned Sumantri to relocate due to the unstable conditions, but he reportedly disregarded the warning. the subsequent landslide swept him away. Similar incidents have been on the rise in Bogor Regency, with data from the BPBD showing a 30% increase in landslide-related emergencies in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year, largely attributed to prolonged heavy rainfall and deforestation.
Search and Rescue Operations
A combined Search and Rescue (SAR) team has been deployed to the area, utilizing specialized equipment and personnel. The team is currently focusing its efforts on two potential scenarios: the possibility that Sumantri was buried under the landslide debris, or that he was carried downstream by the ciesek River.
“We are exploring both possibilities,” stated M Adam Hamdani, Head of Emergency and Logistics at the BPBD Bogor Regency. “The terrain is challenging, and the river current is strong, making the search complex.” The SAR team is employing techniques similar to those used in the 2022 Sukabumi landslide rescue, including sonar technology and canine units, to maximize their chances of locating the missing fisherman.
Ongoing Concerns & Safety Reminders
The incident underscores the heightened risk of landslides during the rainy season, notably in areas with steep slopes and compromised land stability. Authorities are urging residents living in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and heed warnings issued by the BPBD.
“It’s crucial to prioritize safety and evacuate instantly if you observe signs of land movement, such as cracks in the ground or tilting trees,” emphasized Dejan Habiburrahman, Staff of BPBD Pusdalops Bogor Regency. “Ignoring warnings can have devastating consequences, as tragically demonstrated in this case.”
The search for Oden Sumantri remains a top priority, and updates will be provided as they become available. The BPBD is also conducting a review of safety protocols at fishing ponds and other recreational areas in landslide-prone regions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.