Rain-triggered landslides in two regions of Indonesia’s Central Java province have killed at least 18 people. Authorities confirmed the deaths on Monday as rescue teams continued search operations. Persistent rain last week destabilized hillsides and triggered large mudslides in the city of Cilacap. Officials said a landslide buried a dozen houses in Cibeunying village. The disaster mitigation agency reported that victims were buried under three to eight metres of debris.
Search and rescue teams faced severe challenges due to deep mud and unstable terrain. Officials deployed excavators to speed up the recovery process. Footage from KompasTV on Monday showed heavy machinery clearing thick soil in the affected area. Rescuers used manual tools when machinery could not reach blocked locations. They continued to search for survivors despite difficult conditions and recurring rainfall.
Authorities said the Cilacap landslide has killed at least 16 people so far. M Abdullah, who heads the local division of the search and rescue agency, confirmed the figure. He added that seven people remain missing. Officials warned that the number could rise as more areas become accessible. They stressed that rescue teams will continue operations until all missing individuals are found.
Banjarnegara hit by separate disaster
A separate landslide struck Banjarnegara district on Saturday. Officials said two people died and 27 remain missing. The disaster mitigation agency reported extensive destruction across residential and agricultural areas. As many as 30 houses were damaged or swept away. Farms in the surrounding area also sustained severe losses. Local teams launched emergency operations to locate missing residents.
Rescue workers used drones to assess damaged zones. Officials also coordinated with local communities to verify missing individuals. Volunteers joined rescue teams to clear paths and assist emergency operations. Authorities said heavy rainfall continues to hinder access to remote locations.
Extreme weather increases risks
Indonesia’s weather agency warned that the country entered its wet season in September. The agency expects the season to last until April. Officials said the prolonged rainfall increases the likelihood of floods and landslides. They urged residents in mountainous regions to remain vigilant. Authorities also recommended early evacuation for communities living near landslide-prone slopes.
Emergency teams remain on high alert as rain continues across Central Java. Officials said rescue operations will continue until all affected areas are fully assessed.
