The Body Of An 11-year-old Boy In Cianjur Who Was Crushed By A Landslide While Taking Shelter Under A Cliff Was Finally Found

JABAR - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) found the body of a child buried by a landslide in Awareness Village, Jayapura Village, Cidaun District, Cianjur, West Java, Wednesday, October 26.

A boy named Andre (11) was hit by a landslide while taking shelter under a rock cliff. He took care of the fields that were about to be harvested with his family but his mother and sister went home before the heavy rain fell.

"While the victim took shelter under a rock cliff so that it wouldn't rain, even though her mother had asked her to go home, the victim persisted while chasing away the birds that were perching on the rice stalks", said Rudi when contacted in Cianjur, West Java, Wednesday, October 26.

Not long after, when the boy took shelter a three-meter-high cliff fell and hit him. His mother, who had not yet arrived at the house, saw the landslide cliff and did not find the whereabouts of her son.

His mother immediately reported the incident to residents and local village officials.

Joint SAR officers consisting of BPBD volunteers, TNI/Police, and residents tried to search, but the victim's body was found after several hours of residents digging a pile of soil.

"The victim's body was immediately brought by the family for burial. The victim's body was buried for about 1 meter, when it was found its position was face down", he said.

Rudi added, apart from taking lives, the cliff landslide caused the irrigation canal which used to irrigate 300 hectares of rice fields in the area to be closed. Currently, the officers are trying to reopen it using cooperation with the residents, assisted by joint officers.

"We urge residents to avoid doing activities on the banks of rivers, beaches, and shelter under large trees, including under cliffs that are prone to landslides. During the next week, the rainfall is still high. Residents in all areas of Cianjur are asked to be vigilant and evacuate immediately when they see signs of nature", he said.