Cilacap Landslide Handling Expanded, BPBD Finds 3 Bodies Of Total Death Toll To 16 People

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) stated that the search and rescue operation (SAR) for landslide victims in Majenang, Cilacap Regency, Central Java, was expanded on the fifth day of the emergency handling period.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said the expansion of the search area was carried out because the team found a number of new points suspected of being locations where the victims were buried.

The joint SAR team then divided the search sector so that the evacuation process ran faster and more measured.

With this strategy, until 11.00 WIB, the team managed to find three bodies, bringing the total number of victims who died to 16 people. Meanwhile, seven other residents are still missing and continue to be searched by the joint team.

Abdul explained that the SAR operation began at 07.00 WIB with the deployment of personnel from various elements, including Basarnas, TNI, Polri, BPBD, and volunteers. Each search sector is led by field commanders to ensure coordination runs efficiently.

Evacuation efforts were strengthened by two additional heavy equipment units from the Cilacap District Public Works Office and the Central Java Provincial Highways Office. Heavy equipment is used to lift avalanche materials that have significant thickness.

According to Abdul Muhari, sunny weather conditions in the morning also facilitated operations, allowing the team to work without obstacles due to rain or slippery soil as happened in previous days.

In addition to sweeping using heavy equipment, officers also conduct manual searches in areas that cannot be reached by large machines. This combination method is said to be effective in finding victims at narrower points.

He emphasized that BNPB continues to monitor the development of SAR operations and ensure that all resources needed by the team in the field can be met so that the process of searching for victims can be completed as quickly as possible.