Introduction
A heavy-rain triggered landslide in Pasirlangu village, West Bandung, West Java, killed nine people and left 81 missing, authorities say. Rescue teams are working around the clock to locate survivors among the 34 homes that were buried. The disaster highlights the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather.
At a Glance
- 9 deaths, 81 missing, 23 survivors found
- 34 homes buried in Pasirlangu
- Heavy rain the cause, with 2:30 a.m. the first reported slide
- BNPB issued warnings days before the event
The Day of the Disaster
At around 2:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, Jan. 24, a landslide swept through Pasirlangu Village, Cisarua, in the West Bandung district. The slide was triggered by heavy rain that had saturated the hillsides for days. According to the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), the slide buried dozens of houses and displaced residents.
Immediate Response
BASARNAS posted a translated message on Facebook, confirming the incident and urging coordination. Ade Dian Permana, head of the Bandung SAR Office, said an advanced team was immediately deployed to search for victims. The agency’s rapid mobilization aimed to reach the most affected areas before nightfall.
Search and Rescue Efforts
As of 2 p.m. local time, reports from Pos Kota confirmed that 9 people were dead, 81 were missing, and 23 had been found safe. Rescue crews combed through rubble, using dogs and equipment to locate trapped individuals. The teams faced challenges from unstable ground and limited visibility.
Official Statements
“The number of missing persons is high; we will try to optimize our search and rescue efforts today,” said SAR spokesperson Abdul Muhari to ABC News. BASARNAS added, “The victims’ status is currently being collected, and we are coordinating with various parties to obtain valid data based on resident reports and conditions on the ground,” in their translated Facebook post.
BNPB, Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, issued several warnings of heavy rain and floods in the days leading up to the landslide. “In response to the disaster, the BNPB urges the public and local governments to maintain preparedness and vigilance,” the BNPB said in a statement. The organization also announced it would be “strengthening coordination” with local ministries, regional governments and police “to ensure that disaster management is carried out effectively, measurably, and sustainably.”
Broader Context
The landslide occurred in an area already prone to flooding. ABC News reported that around 34 homes were buried, and Pasir Kuning was believed to be the worst-hit area. The heavy rain that triggered the slide was part of a larger pattern of extreme weather affecting West Java.
Local officials noted that the region’s infrastructure is vulnerable to sudden weather events, and the disaster underscores the need for improved early warning systems. Residents in nearby villages were advised to stay alert and follow guidance from authorities.
Key Takeaways
- The landslide in Pasirlangu caused 9 deaths and 81 missing, with 23 survivors.
- Heavy rain triggered the slide, and 34 homes were buried.
- Rescue teams worked through the day, with BASARNAS coordinating efforts.
- BNPB issued warnings and is enhancing coordination to prevent future tragedies.
Conclusion
The tragedy in Pasirlangu serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by extreme weather in Indonesia’s West Java region. Authorities continue to search for survivors while evaluating how to improve preparedness and response for future events.
