BNPB Uses Heavy Equipment To Find 12 Victims Of Landslide In South Tapanuli Who Have Not Been Found

Landslide in the Batang Toru Power Plant development project area, South Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra. (BNPB documentation)

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) continues the search for victims buried after the landslide disaster in the Batang Toru Power Plant construction project area, South Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra.

Head of Disaster Data and Communication Committee for Disaster, Raditya Jati, said that his party was continuing the search today using heavy equipment.

"The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of South Tapanuli Regency continues the search for victims who have not been found with the assistance of the TNI-Polri, BASARNAS and volunteer elements using heavy equipment," Raditya said in his statement, Saturday, May 1.

As of Friday, April 30, the joint SAR Team has succeeded in evacuating 3 victims who died from the scene. The three of them were taken to the Sipirok Hospital to be identified.

It is known that landslides were triggered by high intensity rain on Thursday, April 29 at 18.00 WIB in Batang Toru District, South Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra Province.

"Due to this incident, it is estimated that 12 people have disappeared under the landslide material. Landslides have occurred due to heavy rains that hit the area since noon," said Raditya.

In addition, it is known that currently landslides have also buried two houses and one car that were passing by. The total material loss due to landslides is still being recorded by the local BPBD.

Based on InaRisk's analysis, South Tapanuli Regency has the potential for moderate to high landslide hazards that affect 14 sub-districts.

BPBD, assisted by Battalion - C personnel from the Brimob Polda North Sumatra, has also established a disaster management post in the area where the incident occurred. Meanwhile, cleaning in the landslide area to search for and help victims will continue until all victims have been found.