Search And Rescue Operations Last Day, 16 Banjarnegara Residents Still Missing Due To Landslides

Illustration of landslides in Cilacap (doc BNPB)

BANJARNEGARA (SAR) search and rescue operations for 16 residents who are still missing due to landslides in Pandanarum Village, Pandanarum District, Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java, entered its last day on Tuesday, November 25.

Hundreds of joint personnel and 25 units of heavy equipment were deployed to search sector C, the lowest area or known as avalanches, which is believed to be the last location of the victims.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said that sector C was the final determinant of the search operation that had been going on for the past ten days.

"Today is the last day according to SAR operations standards. The focus of the search is focused on sector C, which we believe is the most potential location to find the missing victims. We have mobilized all forces, both personnel and heavy equipment," said Abdul, Tuesday, November 25.

He explained that the terrain at the location was very heavy and high risk for the rescue team. A unstable soil, the thickness of the landslide material reaching more than 10 meters, and the high water content are major challenges in the search process.

"The team must work extra carefully because the soil contours are still very unstable and prone to subsequent landslides. However, we are still trying our best until the end," he added.

Efforts to reduce water volume continue to be carried out through the creation of sodetan, while weather modification operations (OMC) are carried out to dispel the potential for rain so that the search can take place more safely and effectively.

Outside the search area, the atmosphere must cover the Main Command Post for Emergency Handling at the Pandanarum District Office, Monday, November 24 evening. The Banjarnegara Regency Government together with BNPB, Basarnas, Social Service, Health Service, and a number of related elements held a meeting with the victim's family to provide psychological support and prepare them for the final decision of the SAR operation.

The victim's family still has hope, no matter how thin. Many hope for good news from the tireless efforts of the officers in the field, but they also state sincerity if the final result does not match expectations.

"Every step taken is to respect the victims and provide certainty for the family. We remain committed to carrying out this humanitarian task wholeheartedly," concluded Abdul.

Today's operation is seen as a determinant, whether a bright spot will emerge from behind the thick mud, or instead a series of searches carried out with high totality and dedication.