BPBD Optimizes Alkon Pumps To Search For Three Landslide Victims In Arjasari, Bandung Regency

The officers while searching for the three victims who were declared missing (photo; dock. between)

The West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) continues to optimize the search for three residents who are still missing due to landslides in Arjasari District, Bandung Regency. The search process was carried out by utilizing the battery pump engine, following the limitations of the terrain that made heavy equipment unable to enter the location.

Head of the West Java BPBD Emergency and Logistics Division, Bambang Imanudin, said that the joint team still relied on manual methods to penetrate landslide materials. The use of the alkon pump is aimed at accelerating the reduction in the volume of water and mud in areas that are expected to be the points where the victims are buried.

"Heavy equipment cannot enter, so we are optimizing the search manually assisted by an alkon pump," said Bambang in Bandung, Sunday, December 7.

Bambang said the three residents who were reported missing and buried by landslides were Alfa (13), Citra (20), and Mak Aisyah (75), who were the grandmothers of Citra. The joint SAR team has mapped a number of priority points based on residents' information and the condition of the water flow being carried from the top of the cliff.

The search process in the field is still greatly influenced by weather conditions. The team had to stop activities when the weather was getting dark or it rained because of the high risk of subsequent landslides.

"If it is dark or rainy, the activity will be temporarily suspended and will continue as conditions improve," said Bambang.

The landslide occurred after heavy rains flushed the upstream area of the Cibodas River, which made the cliff crown crack quite large. The crack then widened until it finally caused soil and rock material to collapse into residential areas.

Bambang emphasized that cracks in the cliff area should be an early sign of mitigation. "This is a lesson for all of us, that cracks like this should have been anticipated earlier, including accelerating the transfer of residents from vulnerable locations," he said.

BPBD noted that five houses were heavily damaged and buried by landslides, while 110 other houses were still in the potential affected zone in the event of further ground movements. A total of 400 residents of 110 families were recorded as affected residents.

To meet the basic needs of the residents, BPBD together with the West Java Social Service and the Bandung Regency Government have sent emergency assistance in the form of basic necessities, mineral water, and other logistical needs needed at evacuation sites.

Currently, a joint team consisting of BPBD, volunteers, village officials, and elements of the TNI-Polri are still on standby at the location to continue the search for victims and monitor further risks due to the weather.