All Longsor Missing Victims Found Dead, Toraja Tana SAR Operation Stopped

A number of pockets of victims who died of the Tana Toraja landslide (doc BNPB)

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) announced that the search and rescue operation (SAR) for landslide victims that hit Tana Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi was officially stopped.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari said this was done because all victims who were reported missing and affected by landslides had been found and identified.

The BNPB Pusdalops recorded that a total of 20 residents were reported missing, all of whom were found dead.

Each of the 16 victims was a resident of Manggau Village, Makale District and four other victims were found in Lembang Village, Randan Baru, South Makale District.

"20 people, last Monday, April 15, two victims were found dead in Manggau Village, Makale District and their bodies were immediately buried at the Lakipadada Hospital," he said.

In addition to the missing victims, he stated, the previous joint SAR operation team also managed to evacuate 77 residents so that they survived the landslide.

BNPB ensures that the dozens of residents are currently in a safe and sufficient condition for all basic needs under the supervision of the Tana Toraja Government and local church authorities.

"Due to all the findings of all these victims, search and rescue operations were stopped," he said.

BNPB also distributed aid in the form of logistics and equipment which includes refugee tents, family tents, basic necessities, ready-to-eat food, blankets, mattresses, folding mattresses, generators, alkon pumps, water clarity.

In addition, according to him, BNPB will also provide support in the form of Ready-to-Use Funds (DSP) worth IDR 250 million for emergency handling operations to recovery, including to meet basic needs for residents affected by the disaster.