Landslide in West Bandung, Indonesia, Claims Dozens of Lives and Displaces Hundreds
A devastating landslide struck Kampung Pasir Kuning, Pasirlangu Village, Cisarua District, West Bandung Regency, Indonesia, on January 24, 2026, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread displacement. The disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall, buried homes and impacted multiple villages on the slopes of Mount Burangrang.
Timeline of the Disaster
The landslide occurred around 3:00 a.m. Local time, catching residents largely unaware. Initial reports indicated 111 people were affected, with six confirmed deaths, 21 survivors, and 84 missing. The data was later updated to 158 affected individuals, including 78 survivors and 80 presumed buried. The search and rescue operation faced challenges due to ongoing rainfall and unstable ground conditions.
Search and Rescue Efforts
A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team was deployed immediately after the disaster. The operation involved personnel from the Bandung SAR Office, local governments, the National Police, and volunteers. As of February 6, 2026, the team had evacuated 101 body bags. Identification of the victims was underway, with 74 identified from 77 body bags by the West Java Regional Police Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team. The emergency response status was officially lifted on February 6, 2026, but search efforts continued in a limited capacity during the recovery period.
Impact and Displacement
The landslide impacted at least three villages: Babakan Village, Pasir Kuning Village, and Pasir Kuda Village. More than 30 houses were affected, with some completely destroyed. Over 300 to 400 people were displaced from their homes and sought refuge in temporary shelters, including the Pasirlangu Village Office. Approximately 48 houses were recorded as destroyed by February 6, 2026, and 80 residents were confirmed dead.
Geological Factors and Causes
According to the Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, the affected area is characterized by hilly terrain with dense settlements and intensive land employ. The area’s geology consists of old volcanic deposits that have undergone significant weathering, creating unstable slopes. The region is also influenced by geological structures, including faults and fractures, which increase rock permeability and create weak zones. High rainfall was identified as the primary trigger for the landslide, increasing pore water pressure and reducing soil shear strength.
Satellite Imagery Analysis
Satellite imagery from May 2025 showed a landscape dominated by green vegetation on the slopes of Mount Burangrang. Though, imagery captured in February 2026 revealed a significant change, with a long, reddish-brown streak indicating the path of the landslide. Vegetation along the route was gone, replaced by exposed ground and landslide debris. The imagery demonstrates the scale of the devastation and the impact on the natural landscape.
Ongoing Recovery and Future Risks
While the emergency response phase has concluded, recovery efforts are ongoing. Authorities continue to monitor the area for potential landslides, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The disaster highlights the vulnerability of communities living in landslide-prone areas and the importance of land-use planning, slope stabilization measures, and early warning systems.