Indonesian marines among 80 missing in deadly West Java landslide

Tragic Landslide in West Java Leaves Dozens Dead and Missing

A devastating landslide in West Java province, Indonesia, has left a trail of destruction, with 80 people, including 19 elite marine force members, missing in deep mud. The incident, which occurred over the weekend in Pasir Langu village on the slopes of Mount Burangrang, has claimed the lives of at least 17 individuals, with six more currently undergoing identification.

The marines were undergoing training in the rugged terrain amidst heavy rainfall when the landslide struck, engulfing their camp and several nearby houses. A massive search and rescue operation involving 2,100 personnel equipped with drones, excavators, and water pumps is currently underway to locate and rescue the missing individuals.

According to navy Chief of Staff Adm. Muhammad Ali, four marines were among the casualties, while the rest of the missing individuals were part of a training unit preparing for a border assignment on the Indonesia–Papua New Guinea frontier. The treacherous conditions, compounded by heavy rain, have made access to the site challenging for rescue teams.

Rescuers are faced with daunting tasks of clearing tons of mud, rocks, and debris in a landslide that spans over 2 kilometers. The thick mud in some areas reaches up to 8 meters in height, posing significant obstacles to the search efforts. Meanwhile, around 230 nearby residents have been evacuated to safety.

Indonesia, prone to seasonal rains and high tides from October to April, often experiences flooding and landslides, endangering millions of residents living in mountainous regions and flood-prone areas. The recent tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the constant threat posed by natural disasters in the region.