Rescuers in Central Java are racing against time to locate 13 people still missing after a deadly landslide struck the region on Tuesday, killing at least 17 people.

Triggered by torrential rains in the city of Pekalongan, the landslide buried a main road connecting the city to the Dieng plateau, a popular tourist destination. Heavy rain and dense fog have hampered rescue efforts, according to Zulhawari Agustianto, spokesperson for the local rescue team.

"The number of missing people could be higher,"Agustianto warned. "A cafe located in the landslide area was reportedly full at the time of the disaster."

Approximately 300 rescuers, supported by police and military personnel, were deployed early Wednesday. Due to blocked roads, they were forced to walk nearly four kilometers to reach the site. An excavator was dispatched to clear mud and debris, but the challenging terrain slowed progress.

Footage from local media revealed scenes of destruction, with roads and houses buried under mud and rubble, and nearby rice fields covered by debris. Images shared by the disaster agency showed rescuers carrying victims in body bags using bamboo stretchers amidst thick fog.

Residents have been warned of continued rainfall in the coming days, which could trigger further landslides and flash floods.

Indonesia frequently faces landslides and flooding during its rainy season. This latest disaster underscores the vulnerability of communities in mountainous and hilly regions. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities strive to locate the missing and prevent further casualties.