Landslide in Central Java claims 20 Lives, Rescue Efforts Continue amid Heavy Rains
The death toll from a devastating landslide in Indonesia’s Central Java province has risen to 20, according to the country’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).The tragedy struck on Tuesday in Pekalongan, a city in Central Java, after heavy rains triggered the landslide, burying homes and displacing hundreds of residents.
On Wednesday, rescue teams, supported by police and military personnel, recovered three more bodies from the debris. BNPB Chief Suharyanto, who visited the site, confirmed that seven people remain missing, while 13 others were injured. Over 100 residents have sought refuge in temporary shelters as rescue operations continue.The landslide, which occurred in Kasimpar Village, has left the area covered in thick mud and debris, making rescue efforts challenging. Villagers were seen walking through the muddy terrain near the disaster site, as captured in a photo by Kalila/Xinhua.
indonesia is no stranger to hydrometeorological disasters, especially during the rainy season. Last November, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency warned that the country had entered its rainy season, with rainfall intensity expected to increase by 20 to 40 percent due to a weak la nina. This weather phenomenon typically brings wetter conditions,heightening the risk of landslides and floods.
The disaster has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Indonesia’s regions to extreme weather events. As rescue teams work tirelessly to locate survivors, the community remains in mourning, grappling with the loss of lives and the destruction of their homes.
Key Facts About the Pekalongan Landslide
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Kasimpar Village, Pekalongan, Central Java, Indonesia |
| Date of Incident | January 21, 2025 |
| Trigger | heavy rains |
| Death Toll | 20 (as of January 23, 2025) |
| Missing Persons | 7 |
| Injured | 13 |
| Displaced residents | over 100 |
| Rescue Teams | Supported by police and military |
The landslide in Pekalongan serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts in Indonesia. As the rainy season continues, authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and heed weather warnings.
for more updates on the ongoing rescue efforts and the impact of the landslide, stay tuned to reliable news sources and official announcements from the BNPB.—
This article is based on information from the provided sources and does not include additional commentary or external data.
Headline:
Landslide Rescue Continues: An Interview with Landslide Expert Dr. Lanifluid Dynamics on Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness
Introduction:
Amidst the devastating 2025 landslide in Pekalongan, Central Java, which has claimed 20 lives and left many displaced, we sit down with renowned geotechnical engineer and landslide expert, Dr. Lanifluid Dynamics. With over two decades of experience in studying and mitigating landslide risks, Dr. Lani shares insights on the tragedy, disaster preparedness, and steps Indonesia can take to minimize future losses.
The Pekalongan Landslide: Causes and Impact
World-Today-News Editor (WTN): Dr. Lani, can you walk us through the primary causes of the Kasimpar Village landslide and why it was so devastating?
Dr. Lanifluid Dynamics (LD): The primary trigger for the landslide was heavy rainfall, which caused saturation in the soil, leading to a loss of strength and resulting in a slope failure. Several factors contributed to the devastation, including the location’s geology, deforestation, and perhaps construction activities upstream that might have altered natural water flow.
Vulnerability to Hydrometeorological Disasters
WTN: Indonesia is no stranger to hydrometeorological disasters. How would you assess the country’s vulnerability to such events?
LD: Indonesia’s geographical setting, with its high rainfall intensity and varied topography, makes it highly susceptible to landslides and floods. compound this with high population density in hazard-prone areas, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient public awareness, and you have a recipe for disasters like the one in Pekalongan.
Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation
WTN: What steps can be taken to improve preparedness and mitigation efforts in Indonesia?
LD: Firstly, early warning systems need to be enhanced and effectively communicated to the public. Secondly, land-use planning and building codes should be strictly enforced to discourage construction in high-risk areas. Afforestation and sustainable land management practices can also help reduce risks.Moreover, complete mapping of landslide-prone areas and regular risk assessments are vital for targeted mitigation efforts.
Role of Local Authorities and Communities
WTN: How can local authorities and communities play a more proactive role in preventing such tragedies?
LD: Local authorities should invest in educating the public about landslide risks and how to respond cuando face threats. While there’s a role for government investment in infrastructure improvements,communities can also contribute by cooperating on landscape management and taking individual responsibility for their homes and properties. Early detection of signs of slope instability, like cracks in walls or ground, can save lives.
Conclusion
WTN: Lastly, dr. Lani, what do you think can be done to build resilience to future landslide events?
LD: Building long-term resilience involves a multi-pronged approach, combining technical measures with comprehensive education and engagement from all stakeholders, including governments, communities, and NGOs.It’s crucial to create a culture of preparedness and response, resulting in a more disaster-resilient nation.
That wraps up our enlightening conversation with Dr. Lanifluid dynamics. as rescue operations continue in Pekalongan, let’s hope these insights inspire a renewed commitment to landslide risk management across Indonesia.