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| Local people are evacuated from Kashimpur village in Pekalongan city after a landslide. Indonesia, January 21 | Photo: AFP |
At least 16 people have lost their lives, and more than five others remain missing following devastating landslides triggered by heavy rains in Indonesia's Central Java province. Local police and disaster management officials provided updates on Tuesday as rescue operations continue amid challenging conditions.
Pekalongan City Police Chief Dani Prakoso confirmed the casualties to Metro TV, stating that 16 bodies had been recovered. Additionally, ten injured individuals have been transported to local hospitals and community health centers for treatment.
The landslide struck the region on Monday, with heavy rains further worsening the situation. "Rescue teams are still searching for the five missing individuals," Prakoso said, adding that the unrelenting downpour has caused widespread destruction in the mountainous areas of Pekalongan.
Television footage from the scene depicted volunteers pulling bodies from the rubble using stretchers, with streets in the affected area blanketed in a thick layer of mud.
Disaster management official Bergas Chaturshoshi Penagnugan highlighted the difficulties faced by rescue teams. "Efforts are being hampered by the remoteness of the site and adverse weather conditions," he told Compass TV. Volunteers attempting to reach the affected area have faced significant delays due to impassable roads and ongoing rainfall.
The situation remains dire as rescue teams work tirelessly to locate the missing and assist the injured. Further updates are expected as conditions evolve.