Jakarta: At least 49 people have died after a powerful landslide struck a village in Indonesia’s West Java province, according to the country’s national rescue agency.
The landslide hit Pasir Langu village after days of heavy rain soaked the area, causing a hillside to collapse and bury homes under mud and debris. Rescue teams said the search for survivors is still under way, but difficult weather and unstable ground are slowing operations.
Officials said about 15 people are still missing. Among those who died were 23 soldiers who were taking part in a training exercise near the affected area when the landslide occurred.
The disaster happened on January 24, during Indonesia’s rainy season, which often brings floods and landslides to hilly and forested regions such as West Java. Emergency teams have extended their rescue work into early February in the hope of finding more victims.
Local authorities have warned residents living near steep slopes to stay alert, as more rain is expected in the coming days. Indonesia, an island nation with many mountainous areas, frequently faces deadly landslides during periods of intense rainfall.