SAR Operation To Evacuate Landslide Victims In Karo, 10 Residents Died

Search and rescue (SAR) operations succeeded in evacuating 10 landslide victims in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, Monday, November 25, 2024 (doc BNPB)

JAKARTA The search and rescue operation (SAR) managed to evacuate 10 landslide victims in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, until Monday evening, November 25. Unfortunately, all the victims were found dead.

Joint officers led by Basarnas focused on searching around houses affected by landslides. Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, stated that the process of evacuating the last victim was completed at 18.15 WIB, and the ten victims had been identified at the Kabanjahe Hospital.

"The SAR operation was temporarily suspended on Monday night to ensure the security of officers at the affected locations. The operation will resume today, Tuesday (26/11)," said Abdul. On Monday, BPBD together with related agencies managed to clear two avalanche points that previously closed access to affected locations. However, the landslide material around the Al-Hidayah Mosque, Semangat Gunung Village, Merdeka District, has not been fully resolved, so the road access to the location remains closed for vehicles.

In addition to the loss of life, landslides caused heavy damage to two residents' houses, an inn, and a mosque unit. The landslide material also cut off road access connecting Semangat Gunung Village and Doulu Village.

In the agricultural and fisheries sectors, the local government is still collecting data on the losses incurred. Other infrastructures such as irrigation and electricity networks were also affected, causing additional disruption to residents in the area.

The landslide that occurred in Semangat Gunung Village, near the Sidebu-dust heat bath, was triggered by heavy rain that fell on Saturday (23/11) at around 14.00 WIB.

Entering the peak of the rainy season, BNPB reminded local governments and the public to increase awareness of the threat of hydrometeorological disasters such as floods, flash floods, landslides, and strong winds.

"Early prevention efforts are made to protect yourself and your family. Residents can monitor information on potential rainfall through the government's official channel or BPBD," Abdul appealed.

SAR operations involving Basarnas, BPBD Karo Regency, TNI, Polri, and local communities continue to be carried out to ensure that no other victims are still buried by landslide material.