Rescue teams in Indonesia are intensifying their efforts to locate survivors following a deadly landslide that struck Central Java province, resulting in at least 19 confirmed fatalities. The disaster, caused by heavy rains in the Pekalongan region, buried houses and blocked a main road connecting the city to popular tourist areas on January 21, 2025. Local officials report that the landslide has left several individuals still unaccounted for, prompting widespread concern and calls for assistance.

According to Le Monde, the toll reported by emergency services initially indicated 17 dead, but rescue operations revealed additional bodies, raising the toll to 19. Search and rescue agency Basarnas has indicated that at least 13 others are injured. The worst-hit area appears to be Kasimpar village, where the landslide struck an establishment that provided shelter from the rain.

Rescue efforts have faced significant challenges due to ongoing adverse weather. Rescue workers had to traverse approximately four kilometers to reach the site, as heavy rains and fog rendered roads inaccessible. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has deployed over 200 personnel, including police and volunteers, to assist in recovery efforts, reinforcing their focus on locating the victims. “The focus is to search for the victims,” confirmed local official Mohammad Yulian Akbar, as the government also declared a two-week emergency in the area.

Heavy machinery has been brought in to clear the mud and debris, although progress is slow due to persistent rainfall. As reported by Al Jazeera, the BNPB has warned residents of further rain in the coming days, suggesting that additional landslides and flash floods might occur. Historical patterns indicate that Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to such calamities during the rainy season, typically spanning from November to April. Recent years have seen disasters even outside of this period, highlighting the increased risks associated with climate change.

This tragic incident is a stark reminder of Indonesia's vulnerability to natural disasters, exacerbated by severe weather conditions. Authorities are now tasked with not only managing search and recovery endeavors but also preparing for potential further risks posed by ongoing weather patterns.