At least 18 dead after three landslides on Java; search operations continue
At least 18 people have died and more than 30 remain unaccounted for after three landslides struck Indonesia's Java island last week, officials said on Monday.
Heavy rain on Thursday triggered a landslide that hit multiple locations in Cilacap district, Central Java. Two further slides struck a village in Banjarnegara district over Saturday and Sunday, according to Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for the national disaster mitigation agency.
Rescuers in Cilacap discovered three additional bodies by Monday, bringing the Cilacap death toll to 16. Authorities said seven people were still missing there and at least 16 houses were damaged.
In Banjarnegara, two people were confirmed dead and at least 27 others were reported missing after the weekend slides. Combined reports from both districts put the number of missing at over 30.
"Searching for the missing remains a top priority," agency chief Suharyanto said in remarks carried by Kompas TV. He added that operations would continue in coordination with victims' families.
Local officials have identified land for temporary housing where nearly 300 families could be relocated while recovery efforts continue.
The national weather service has warned of further heavy rain across several regions in the coming weeks. Indonesia's annual monsoon season — typically from November to April — frequently brings landslides, flash floods and water-borne disease risks. Officials warned that climate change is altering storm patterns, increasing rainfall intensity and the risk of extreme weather.
Earlier this month, separate flash floods and landslides in a remote area of Papua in eastern Indonesia killed at least 15 people, underscoring the broader hazards facing the country this season.
Relief and response: Search-and-rescue teams remain active in affected areas. Local authorities and national agencies are coordinating emergency shelter, damage assessments and family support services.
