Indonesian Rescuers Recover Bodies in Flash Floods and Landslides

In Central Java province's Pekalongan regency, rescuers have discovered the remains of at least 17 individuals who were either swept away in flash floods or buried under mud and debris. This disaster was triggered by heavy rainfall that caused rivers to overflow, leading to mudslides that impacted several hilly villages. According to Bergas Catursasi, the local Disaster Management Agency head, efforts are ongoing to locate eight missing villagers while eleven others who sustained injuries have been transported to local hospitals.

Television coverage has shown the extensive rescue operations being carried out, with police, soldiers, and volunteers using heavy machinery, farm tools, and manual labor to sift through the destruction. Many rescuers have also been observed transporting the deceased on makeshift stretchers to ambulances. However, the operation faced significant challenges due to adverse weather, mudslides, and difficult terrain, especially as some individuals were caught off guard while fishing or seeking shelter.

The search efforts were halted temporarily due to worsening weather conditions but are set to resume the following day. Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Agency, reported that vehicles and bystanders were among the casualties when floods inundated the area and triggered a landslide, which buried dwellings. Other regions in Indonesia, including Bali, are also grappling with similar weather-induced incidents, highlighting the recurrent seasonal risks faced by the country.