Landslides in Central Java Leave Dozens Missing, Death Toll Climbs
Torrential rains in Indonesia’s Central Java province have triggered a series of landslides, burying homes and farmland and leaving at least 23 people dead, with dozens still unaccounted for as of . The most severely affected areas are the Cilacap and Banjarnegara regions, where search and rescue operations are ongoing, hampered by unstable ground and challenging terrain.
The initial landslide struck Cibeunying village in Cilacap regency on , burying several homes under layers of soil and rubble. As of , authorities reported three confirmed fatalities and 20 people missing. Rescuers are facing significant obstacles, with burial depths ranging from three to eight meters, making access difficult. “Search efforts involve heavy machinery, extrication equipment, and manual tools to reach areas that remain inaccessible,” said Priyo Prayudha Utama, the rescue operation coordinator, from the disaster site.
The disaster affected a total of 46 people in Cilacap – 23 survivors, three fatalities, and 20 missing, according to official reports. Authorities declared a state of emergency in the area until the end of November, subject to ongoing assessment of conditions. The narrow access trails and soft ground are slowing the movement of heavy equipment, though a larger excavator was expected to arrive midday on to accelerate debris removal.
Residents who survived the Cibeunying landslide described the event as sudden and without warning. Yayung, 62, recounted how his house collapsed after being buried under landslide debris, shortly after returning from evening prayers.
A second landslide struck Banjarnegara, resulting in two confirmed deaths and 27 people missing. Approximately thirty houses and surrounding agricultural areas were destroyed. Rescue teams have mobilized excavators, tracking dogs, and aerial drones to support search operations. As of , Basarnas (the National Search and Rescue Agency) reported 48 houses had collapsed or disappeared in Banjarnegara.
The landslides are attributed to heavy rainfall linked to Indonesia’s wet season, which typically extends from September through April, increasing the risk of hydrometeorological hazards. Meteorological officials have warned that continued intense rainfall may lead to further landslides in vulnerable areas. The region’s steep, erosion-prone environments place residents, infrastructure, and transport routes at elevated risk.
The Indonesian government is providing aid and recovery support to the victims of the Central Java landslides. Damage assessments indicate that 464 homes have been impacted, with 205 units severely damaged, along with seven educational facilities, one place of worship, one healthcare facility, one irrigation dam, one village bridge, and sections of village and regency roads, as well as the Padasari village office.
As search efforts continue, authorities fear the death toll may rise as more bodies are recovered. The difficult conditions and the depth of the mud are making the recovery process particularly challenging.
