Bandung Barat, Indonesia: Search operations for 32 people still missing after a deadly landslide in Indonesia’s West Java province were disrupted by rain on Wednesday, according to the country’s disaster mitigation agency, as the death toll climbed to 34.
The landslide struck Pasir Langu village in the Bandung Barat region early Saturday, after heavy rainfall began a day earlier. The village is located in a hilly area approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) southeast of Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital.
“It’s raining at the landslide site this morning, but all rescuers are ready to continue the search, waiting for the right timing,” said Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency.
Authorities confirmed that the death toll has increased from 20 to 34, while 23 people have survived the disaster.
On Tuesday, the Indonesian Navy announced that 23 soldiers were killed during a border patrol training exercise. Muhari said it was not immediately clear whether those deaths were included in the updated landslide toll.
A special identification team is currently working at the scene to identify bodies recovered by rescue teams.
More than 800 rescuers, including military and police personnel, have been deployed to the area, supported by nine excavators, as efforts continue to locate those still missing.
Earlier, officials said nearly 700 residents from the affected village were evacuated to local government buildings for safety.
