Death toll from Indonesia landslide climbs to 53, 10 still missing

The number of people killed in a landslide on Indonesia’s main island of Java has risen to 53, according to local rescue authorities, with at least 10 others still unaccounted for.

The disaster struck Pasirlangu village in the West Bandung area, southeast of Jakarta, after heavy rainfall triggered a massive slope collapse about a week ago. The landslide damaged more than 50 homes and forced around 650 residents to flee their communities.

Search and rescue teams, supported by military personnel, police officers and volunteers, have been combing through thick mud and debris in an effort to locate survivors and recover bodies. Officials confirmed that 53 victims had been recovered and identified as of Saturday, up from earlier reports.

Authorities said improved weather conditions have aided ongoing operations, which have now been extended until Friday to allow more time for recovery efforts.

The Indonesian navy also disclosed that 23 of its personnel, who were conducting training exercises in the area, were among those caught in the landslide.

Indonesia frequently experiences landslides during its rainy season, which typically spans October to March. Experts have long warned that deforestation increases the risk of such disasters, as trees help absorb rainfall and stabilise soil through their root systems.

The government previously linked widespread forest loss to severe flooding and landslides on Sumatra last year, which left about 1,200 people dead and displaced more than 240,000.

Earlier this month, torrential rains also hit Siau Island, triggering flash floods that killed at least 16 people, underscoring the archipelago’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.

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