Seven people were killed and dozens remain missing after a powerful landslide struck West Bandung, Indonesia, following days of heavy rainfall.

At least seven people have died and dozens are reported missing after a devastating landslide struck Pasirlangu village in Indonesia’s West Bandung region early Saturday morning, following days of heavy rainfall.

Rescue teams are intensifying search and rescue efforts for survivors in Indonesia’s West Java province, officials confirmed on January 24.

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Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Disaster Mitigation Agency, emphasized the high number of missing persons and the optimization of current operations.

The landslide, which occurred around 2:00 A.M. local time, involved a powerful flow of water and loose soil from the slopes of Mount Burangrang, impacting some 30 homes while most inhabitants slept.

Widespread Flooding and Environmental Concerns

Fearing further tragedy, local authorities have mandated the evacuation of residents from areas prone to landslides. The affected zone in West Bandung spans approximately 30 hectares.

For its part, Indonesia’s Weather Agency had issued warnings for extreme weather, including heavy rains, across West Java province for this week.

Separately, flooding impacted 20 of 30 sub-districts in West Java’s Karawang regency due to the overflowing Citarum and Cibeet rivers, prompting regional government officials to advise evacuations for nearby residents. Hundreds have also fled flooding in East Jakarta amid heavy rains across the archipelago nation.

The Indonesian Government has initiated lawsuits against six companies, alleging environmental degradation contributed to that prior calamity.

Indonesia faces escalating risks from natural disasters, a situation exacerbated by environmental changes such as deforestation, which is often linked to global palm oil demand, climate change, and rising sea levels.

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