A devastating landslide struck three villages in Cilacap district, Central Java, Indonesia, on Thursday night, leaving two people dead and at least 21 others missing, officials confirmed Friday. Homes were buried and severely damaged as the sudden disaster swept through the region.
“As of Friday morning, the joint rescue team has saved 23 people alive. Sadly, two have been confirmed dead, and 21 others are still missing,” said Abdul Muhari, spokesman for the national disaster agency.
Search and rescue operations continue amid unstable terrain, which has slowed the recovery efforts. Heavy machinery has been brought in to assist rescuers in reaching affected areas.
Earlier this week, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency issued extreme weather warnings, predicting heavy rainfall that could trigger hydrometeorological disasters across several regions in the coming weeks.
The annual monsoon season, lasting from November to April, often brings landslides, flash floods, and waterborne diseases. Climate change has intensified these weather events, making storms heavier and flash floods more destructive.
This tragedy comes just weeks after a similar incident in Papua, where landslides and flash floods claimed at least 15 lives and left eight others missing. Communities across Indonesia remain on high alert as the season continues.
In times like these, it is a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of communities coming together to support those in need. Our hearts go out to the families affected, and may the missing be found safely.
