Intensify The Search For Pekalongan Landslide Survivors, Dhuafa Wallet Combing Affected Locations

The search for earthquake victims in Pekalongan is increasingly being intensified by Dompet Dhuafa volunteers. (IST)

PEKALONGAN - One day after the flash flood in Pekalongan, Wednesday, January 22, Dompet Dhuafa through the Central Java DD Disaster Management Center (DMC) volunteers continued their search to help evacuate survivors affected by landslides that hit the Petungkriyono District, Pekalongan Regency. This disaster was triggered by heavy rains that have been pouring down non-stop since the last few days.

To this day, Dompet Dhuafa along with other joint volunteers are still searching by sweeping the affected locations to find victims who are still buried. Currently, as many as 20 victims have died. On Tuesday, January 21, 17 bodies were found, while as of Wednesday afternoon, three bodies were found.

The joint team also cleaned up landslide materials. Many residents' houses were swept away by the flood currents, while landslides swept away residential areas in several villages.

"Currently we are still trying to search for victims who are still buried by the rubble of landslide material," said Yusuf, the person in charge of the Central Java Dompet Dhuafa Disaster Program.

Heavy rains that have flushed the Pekalongan area since Monday, January 20 afternoon, have caused river water discharge to increase dramatically. This condition triggered flash floods at several points, including in Petungkriyono District. The high intensity of rain makes the soil in mountainous areas unstable, triggering large landslides that hit residential areas.

In addition, the main bridge connecting the Petungkriyono area with the surrounding area was broken due to heavy flood currents. This forced rescue teams and aid distribution to find alternative routes that took longer travel time.

Land longsoran also damaged electricity and telecommunications networks, causing most areas to lose access to communication. This condition further makes it difficult to coordinate evacuation and distribute emergency assistance to victims.

Until tonight, the Central Java Dhuafa Wallet Team continues to monitor the development of the situation and is preparing to provide further assistance. They also invite the wider community to contribute through donations to ease the burden on disaster victims in Pekalongan.

Friends, let's join hands to help the brothers and sisters who are being hit by a disaster. You can channel your kindness through: Help Victims of the Pekalongan Flood & Landslide.