Deadly Landslide in Indonesia’s Central Java Kills Six, 17 Missing

A devastating landslide struck the city of Cilacap in Indonesia’s Central Java province on Thursday, claiming the lives of six people and leaving 17 others missing, authorities reported on Saturday. The disaster, triggered by prolonged and heavy rainfall, buried at least a dozen houses in Cibeunying village, leaving residents in shock and authorities racing against time to find survivors.

According to Antara, Indonesia’s state news agency, Budi Irawan, deputy head of the country’s disaster management agency, confirmed that rescue teams had recovered three additional bodies in the aftermath, emphasizing that 17 people remained unaccounted for. “We have found three more bodies, leaving only 17 more to be found. We have been working to the best of our ability,” Budi said.

The landslide occurred late Thursday after several days of torrential rain had saturated the region’s slopes, making them unstable. Local residents reported hearing a massive rumble before mud and debris swept through the village, engulfing homes and leaving some trapped under the rubble.

Emergency teams, including disaster management personnel and local volunteers, have been deployed to conduct search and rescue operations. Bulldozers and heavy machinery are being used to remove debris while teams carefully comb through the affected area for survivors. “Time is critical,” Budi added. “We are working continuously to reach those who may still be trapped.”

Authorities have urged residents living in nearby areas with similar hilly terrain to remain vigilant and be prepared for further landslides, as Central Java has seen unusually heavy rainfall this season.

The disaster highlights the growing vulnerability of communities in Indonesia to natural hazards, exacerbated by climate change and deforestation, which weaken slope stability. In recent years, landslides and flooding have become increasingly frequent in the region, causing loss of life and property.

Local government officials are also focusing on providing emergency shelter, food, and medical aid to those displaced by the disaster. Meanwhile, national agencies are monitoring weather patterns to anticipate further risks and prevent additional casualties.

As rescue efforts continue, authorities remain committed to locating the missing residents while assessing the broader damage to homes and infrastructure. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for disaster preparedness and early-warning systems in landslide-prone areas across Indonesia.