On the Seventh Day of the Operation, the Number of Victims of the Cilacap Landslide Has Risen to 18, With Five Residents Still Being Sought.

JAKARTA – A joint search and rescue (SAR) team recovered two more bodies from landslide victims in Cibeunying Village, Majenang District, Cilacap Regency, Central Java, on the seventh day of operations, Tuesday, November 18th. This discovery brings the death toll to 18. As of today, five residents remain missing and are the primary focus of the search.

The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB)'s Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, stated that the SAR operation was forced to be temporarily halted at 4:15 p.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB) due to unfavorable weather and unstable terrain.

"The team remains vigilant because the search area is prone to landslides," he said on Tuesday, November 18th.

Since the first day, the joint team has rescued 23 residents, 11 of whom suffered injuries. In addition, 58 people received outpatient treatment, and three others were hospitalized due to illnesses while in evacuation centers.

The disaster also caused significant material damage. A total of 16 houses were reported collapsed or lost, 25 others were threatened, and approximately one hectare of agricultural land was also affected.

Socially, the landslide directly affected 17 families (46 people), while 133 families (383 people) were forced to evacuate to various locations, such as the Cibeunying Village Hall, MTS SS Cibeunying, Baeturrohman Wanasari Mosque, and relatives' homes.

The Cilacap Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), along with Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency), elements of the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda), Sub-district Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimcam), volunteers, and various related institutions, continued the search with the support of heavy equipment, public kitchens, field posts, and mapping of the affected area using drones.

"Coordination is also being carried out with the Cilacap Regent, including requesting a landslide assessment from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources' (ESDM) PVMBG (Voluntary Volcanology and Geophysics Agency) to ensure regional safety," he said.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is on site to provide assistance, logistical assistance, equipment, and support for the construction of temporary housing for affected residents.

The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) directly monitored the operation and directed the acceleration of the search for missing victims, while emphasizing the importance of long-term recovery.

Residents were asked to remain in evacuation sites and increase vigilance for potential further landslides. The BNPB, BPBD, and Basarnas urged the public to follow all instructions from officers to minimize additional risks while the search process is ongoing.