Jan 22, (V7N) - At least 18 people have been killed and nine remain missing after a devastating landslide struck Central Java’s Pekalongan region on Monday, triggered by intense rainfall. The disaster buried cars, homes, and a coffee shop where people had sought shelter. Rescue efforts involving over 200 personnel, including police, soldiers, and volunteers, are ongoing despite challenging conditions caused by continued rain.

Kasimpar village was the worst-affected area, with heavy machinery deployed to clear debris and aid search operations. The local government has declared a two-week emergency to coordinate relief efforts. So far, 13 people have been reported injured.

Indonesia is prone to landslides during its rainy season, typically between November and April, but climate change has intensified storms, increasing the risk of disasters year-round. Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, warned of more rain in the coming days, raising concerns about further landslides and flash floods.

This landslide adds to a series of recent weather-related disasters in Indonesia, including flooding in November that killed 27 people and flash floods in May that claimed 67 lives. Rescuers remain determined to find survivors, though hopes are fading as time passes.

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