Jakarta, Jan 26 (V7N) — All 80 people reported missing following a devastating landslide in Indonesia’s Java province are now presumed dead, as rescue teams recovered six more bodies on Sunday, according to Reuters.

With the latest recovery, the confirmed death toll has risen to 16, while hopes of finding survivors have faded due to severe challenges facing rescue operations.

Rescue efforts have been significantly hampered by a lack of heavy equipment, continuous rainfall, thick layers of mud, and damaged access roads, officials said.

Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency has deployed around 250 trained personnel, supported by drones and sniffer dogs, while local volunteers are also assisting in the operation. However, progress remains slow amid deteriorating conditions.

The landslide struck the western part of Java province early Saturday (January 24) local time, triggered by persistent heavy rain and flooding. A massive flow of mud and debris from nearby hills completely buried a village, trapping residents under the rubble.

Authorities have urged people living in surrounding areas to stay away from landslide-prone zones, warning that continued rainfall could trigger further disasters.

END/SMA/AJ