JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) – On Wednesday, Indonesian rescuers intensified their search for individuals still missing after devastating flash floods and landslides on the main island of Java that resulted in a tragic loss of life. The recent disasters have claimed at least 17 lives in Pekalongan regency, located in Central Java province.
The catastrophic events were triggered by torrential rains that began on Monday, leading rivers to overflow and inundate nine villages. Additionally, the heavy rains caused landslides that swept down mountainsides, burying homes in the Petungkriyono resort area. According to the National Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari, these incidents destroyed a total of 25 houses, a dam, and three major bridges that are essential for connecting the villages in Pekalongan.
As of Wednesday, the official count indicated that at least 17 individuals were confirmed dead, with nine others still unaccounted for and 13 suffering injuries. The situation has forced nearly 300 residents to seek refuge in temporary shelters set up by the government, indicating the widespread disruption caused by the flooding and landslides.
The search and rescue operations faced significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions, which forced a temporary halt on Tuesday. Heavy rainfall and dense fog created precarious conditions, making some areas along the rivers too dangerous for rescue teams to operate effectively. However, on Wednesday, search efforts resumed, focusing on the rivers and the debris-laden villages, particularly in the severely affected Kasimpar village, as explained by Budiono, who leads a local rescue office.
Rescue teams were particularly active in the Petungkriyono area, where mud and rocks buried two homes and a café. The search for at least nine people believed to be missing continues, with scores of rescue personnel combing through the wreckage in hopes of finding survivors or recovering victims. The condition of the landscape has dramatically changed, with roads and terraced fields converted into expansive swathes of thick, murky mud, obscuring the original layout of the villages.
In addition to the destruction in Central Java, other provinces have also reported incidents of landslides and flooding. For instance, a separate landslide incident in Denpasar, on the popular tourist island of Bali, resulted in four fatalities and left one individual missing. Indonesia is known for its heavy seasonal rains from October to March, which frequently lead to such natural disasters. The country, made up of a vast archipelago comprising around 17,000 islands, has a large population living near fertile floodplains and mountainous regions, putting many communities at risk during the rainy season.
The recent calamities serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by Indonesia in the face of extreme weather events exacerbated by geographic and environmental factors. As rescue efforts continue, the nation grapples with the immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term challenges posed by the natural environment.
