Durian. Torrential rains in some area on Java Island on Jan.9 have triggered landslides in Indonesia’s Sumedang, West Java that have claimed life of at least 11 people including rescuers and wounding 18 others, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said on Jan.10.
Local military commander and a top official from BNPB local branch were among casualties, Raditya Jati, spokesperson of BNPB said in Jakarta.
‘’The first landslide was occurred because of torrential rains that caused instability of soils. The second landslide took place when officers were evacuating victims from the site of the first landslide,’’ Jati explained.
‘’Many people are expected still buried at the location of the second landslide,’’ he added.
One bridge was collapsed due to the disaster.
Search and rescue operation is ongoing with emergency need such as heavy equipment to remove soil from the location to find buried victims at Cihanjuang village, Cimanggung district.
According to BNPB, torrential rains on Jan.9 have caused various natural disasters in West Java’s Garut and other part of Sumedang.
BNPB warned the possibility of heavy rains to fall in Sumedang regency, especially at Cimanggung district, on Jan.10.
The Social Affairs Ministry said on Jan.10 it has distributed about Rp 1 billion ($70,744) for victims and families, including food, tents, blankets, beds and insurance.
