The death toll from a landslide on Indonesia’s main island of Java has risen to 53, with 10 people still missing, a rescue official said on Saturday.
The landslide, triggered by intense rainfall, struck Pasirlangu Village, located southeast of the capital Jakarta, destroying over 50 houses and displacing approximately 650 residents.
Thousands of rescuers, supported by the military, police and volunteers, have been digging through mud and debris to locate victims.
According to Ade Dian Permana, head of the local search and rescue agency, the number of recovered and identified bodies has increased from 44 to 53.
“At least 10 people are still missing, but clearer weather is aiding the search efforts,” he added.
The Indonesian navy reported that 23 personnel, who were training in the area, were among those affected by the landslide. The search and rescue operation in the West Bandung region has been extended until Friday.
Officials have cited deforestation as a contributing factor to landslides and flooding in the region.
Last year, forest loss on Sumatra Island was linked to disasters that killed around 1,200 people and displaced more than 2,40,000 residents. Forests help absorb rainfall and stabilise soil, and their absence increases susceptibility to landslides.
Such disasters are common across the Indonesian archipelago during the rainy season, which typically runs from October to March.
Earlier this month, torrential rain also caused a flash flood on Siau Island, resulting in at least 16 deaths.
