21 Residents Have Not Been Found: Baznas Intensifys Cilacap Landslide Search

JAKARTA - The Indonesian National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) deployed a National Disaster Response Baznas (BTB) team to move quickly to deal with landslides in Cibeunying Village, Cibuyut Hamlet and Tarukahan, Cilacap Regency, Central Java.

"Currently, the main priority is to support SAR operations because there are still around 21 residents who have not been found," said the Head of the Indonesian Baznas for Distribution and Empowerment of Saidah Sakwan, quoted by Antara, Monday, November 17.

Saidah said that his party expressed deep sorrow for the incident, as well as paid great attention and would continue to assist the handling until the emergency response period was over.

He said the BTB team had been at the location since the report was received, and immediately conducted an assessment with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), TNI, Polri, local government, and other volunteer elements to ensure that the handling could be carried out quickly and measurably.

"We have coordinated with various parties, including the regional government and BPBD, regarding the urgent need for search and rescue operations during this golden time. We continue to strive until all victims are found," he said.

At the initial stage of handling, explained Saidah, BTB focused on helping to open access at points covered by landslide material. The team also mapped the potential for further landslides and ensured that the evacuation route was safe for the SAR team and residents around the location.

According to him, this effort is important considering that the soil and rock material that descends not only closes the access road of the village, but also hampers the movement of heavy equipment and search teams in the field. This condition makes the evacuation process must be carried out with care.

Saidah emphasized that Baznas will continue to be at the location until the emergency response period is completed by the local government.

He hopes that the existence of the BTB team can help ease the burden on the community and strengthen efforts to handle it.

"After the search for victims is complete, Baznas is ready to distribute further assistance, starting from logistics packages, health services, to support to restore the economic life of residents," he said.

Saidah representing Baznas appreciated all BTB personnel and other SAR elements who continued to work at the disaster site. According to him, uncertain weather and difficult terrain are challenges in itself, but the entire team continues to work optimally.

"Until now, the search process is still ongoing. Baznas ensures that the progress of handling will be updated periodically. Baznas will continue to be with Cilacap residents until the situation is completely safe," said Saidah Sakwan.

It is known that the landslide disaster occurred on Thursday (13/11), around 19.00 WIB, and buried a number of houses in Tarukahan Hamlet and Cibuyut Hamlet, Cibeunying Village, Majenang District, Cilacap.

The landslide damaged 12 houses and threatened 16 other houses in an area of about 6.5 hectares. Landslides stockpiled settlements and caused 2 meters of land to fall and 25 meters of cracks.