The Number Of Victims Of Tana Toraja Landslides Increases, 20 Deaths Are Found

The joint team searched for landslide victims in Tana Toraja, Monday 15 April 2024 (doc BNPB)

JAKARTA - The government continues to search for victims of landslides in Tana Toraja, South. Three days after the incident, Saturday 13 April, the joint team found 20 bodies. On Monday, the joint search and rescue team managed to find two victims of the landslide disaster Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi who were previously declared missing. The two victims were found dead in Manggau Village, Maale District and their bodies were immediately buried in the Lapidada Hospital (RS). Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari in his statement, from the findings of the two victims, then the total death toll for landslides in Tana Toraja to 20 people "Most of the victims were found in Manggau Village, Maale District and four other victims had previously been found in Lembang Randan Baru Village in Makale Selatan District," said Abdul. For the discovery of all the victims, the search and rescue operation was stopped. However, the joint team will still be on standby if there are reports of residents who feel the loss of their family members. Abdul said that search and rescue efforts of the victims were marginally hampered by weather factors. In addition to foggy, moderate to high intensity rain still often occurs. "So the joint team had to stop search and rescue operations for a few moments for security reasons," he explained. In addition, the search and rescue process is still using makeshift tools. A steep field and on the slopes and cut off access certainly complicates the heavy equipment to break through to the affected locations. Due to the efforts of a joint team with local residents, the entire series of search and rescue operations can be carried out well. As a form of support for the acceleration of handling the impact of landslides in Tana Toraja, BNPB also sent personnel to the affected location led by the Deputy for Emergency Handling of BNPB Fajar Setyawan, representing the Head of BNPB Lt. Gen. Suharyanto.

BNPB also brings a number of logistical support and equipment which includes refugee tents, family tents, basic necessities, ready-to-eat food, hygiene kits, blankets, mattresses, folding mattresses, velbeds, light towers, generators, alcon pumps, water clarity and chainsaw. In addition, BNPB will also hand over support in the form of Ready-to-Use Funds (DSP) worth 250 million for emergency handling operations to recovery, including for meeting basic needs for residents affected by the disaster.