Landslide in West Java, Indonesia: death Toll Rises as Search for Missing Continues
Jakarta, indonesia – A landslide in West Bandung Regency, West Java province, Indonesia, has resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, with 82 individuals currently unaccounted for, according to the latest reports from the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB). The disaster struck on saturday, January 24, 2026, amidst a period of intense rainfall in the region.
The landslide occurred in a village within West Bandung, impacting a critically important area and hindering initial rescue efforts. BNPB spokesperson, Abdul muhari, stated that authorities are prioritizing the optimization of search and rescue operations given the high number of missing persons.”We are working tirelessly to locate those still missing,” Muhari confirmed.
The Indonesian Meteorology, climatology, and Geophysics agency (BMKG) had issued warnings of extreme weather conditions, including heavy rainfall across West Java, beginning on January 19, 2026. These warnings highlighted the increased risk of landslides and flooding in vulnerable areas. The heavy and prolonged rainfall is believed to have saturated the soil, contributing to the instability that triggered the landslide.
Rescue teams, comprised of personnel from the BNPB, the Indonesian military (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and local volunteers, are currently on-site. Efforts are being hampered by challenging terrain and ongoing rainfall, which increases the risk of further landslides. Heavy machinery is being utilized to clear debris and access affected areas.
Indonesia is notably prone to landslides, especially during the rainy season, due to its mountainous terrain and deforestation. The country experiences frequent natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.
The BNPB is urging residents in landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders when issued. Authorities are also assessing the stability of surrounding slopes to prevent further incidents. Updates on the situation will be provided as search and rescue operations continue and more facts becomes available.
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