Death Toll Rises to 17 in West Java Landslide; Dozens Still Missing

A landslide struck Pasirlangu village in West Java's West Bandung region early Saturday morning, resulting in at least 17 confirmed deaths and leaving dozens missing. The disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall, buried residential areas and forced numerous evacuations.

Rescue operations have been challenging due to unstable terrain and ongoing adverse weather conditions. Authorities have deployed a substantial search and rescue team, which has grown from 500 to 2,100 personnel, utilizing drones, water pumps, excavators, and manual digging through up to 8 meters of mud. As of Monday, 17 bodies have been recovered, with 11 identified and six still undergoing identification.

Among the deceased are four members of Indonesia's elite marine force, who were conducting training exercises in the area at the time of the landslide. Nineteen marines remain unaccounted for.

Approximately 230 residents have been evacuated to government shelters. The region is prone to landslides and flooding during the rainy season, which typically runs from October to March.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the affected area on Sunday, urging local authorities to provide intensive assistance to residents and ensure access to essential services.

Environmentalists have highlighted deforestation and improper land use as contributing factors to the disaster. The government has been urged to implement stricter controls over land use in vulnerable areas to prevent future incidents.