BPBD Still Looking For One Landslide Victim In Blitar

BLITAR - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Blitar Regency, East Java is still looking for one landslide victim in Kesamben District, Blitar Regency, which has yet to be found.

"We have deployed full teamURC (fast reaction units) with complete equipment and carried out coordination with cross-sectors (TNI, Polri and SAR) related to the search for victims who are suspected to be still buried by landslide material. The results of today's search are still nil," said Head of BPBD Blitar Regency Ivong Bettryanto as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, July 3.

One resident who is suspected of being buried by a landslide is Gunawan, a resident of Bumirejo Village, Kesamben District, Blitar Regency. He is the owner of a chicken coop. The cage was also destroyed by a landslide.

In the incident that occurred on Sunday (30/6), four people became victims. Two victims were found dead, one injured and one more person is still being searched for by officers. Two who died were identified as Mugiono and Jarianto, both residents of Bumirejo Village, Kesamben District, Blitar Regency, while one resident who was injured was Dwi Antoko, as well as residents of the village.

His party explained that the search for victims was carried out using eight units of Alfon water machines and two excavators. Because it has not been found, the search for victims was stopped and continued on Thursday (4/7/2024).

Head of the Trenggalek SAR Post Team, Yoni Fariza, said the search was carried out around a point where the victims were suspected of being buried by landslides.

He admitted that there were several obstacles that made it difficult for officers to search, namely the depth of the landslide material and access. The bottom of the landslide location is a narrowing so that the upper part is wide while the bottom is narrow.erd

"The lower part is narrowed up wide. The narrower the downwards, so the movement of heavy equipment is limited," he said.

In addition, soil contours are still mixed with water so they are also prone to subsequent landslides. This condition is dangerous for teams who evacuate.

"The problem with landslide material is not bad. The soil contour still contains water. This is very risky for the excavator," he said.

He also added that the search for victims would be carried out for seven days. However, if before seven days the victim has been found, the search is automatically stopped.