Majenang, dozens of people buried by mud

A new serious landslide in Central Java province has caused at least 18 deaths and numerous missing persons. Rescue efforts are hampered by a deep fracture in the ground, and new rains could widen the area affected by the disaster. Climate change and geological conditions are putting the entire country at increasing risk.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The death toll from a massive landslide that struck several residential areas in the Majenang district of Cilacap regency, Central Java, on the night of 13 November has risen to at least 18, while dozens are still missing and feared buried in mud.

The disaster, triggered by prolonged torrential rains, buried nearly 6.5 hectares of settlements, with debris travelling up to 540 metres downstream. The ground subsided by up to 2 metres, with a large fracture extending 25 metres. The landslide affected the villages of Tarukahan, Cibeunying and Cibaduyut, destroying 16 homes and forcing residents to flee. At least 23 survivors were evacuated from the affected area.

Rescue operations remain complex due to unstable ground and thick layers of debris. ‘We are facing unstable ground and limited access for heavy machinery,’ explained search and rescue team leader M. Abdullah.

Gadjah Mada University geological engineering lecturer Dwikorita Karnawati warned of a large horseshoe-shaped crack at the top of the slope, a preliminary sign of possible imminent secondary landslides. ‘If rainwater penetrates the crack, the movement of the ground could accelerate,’ she explained, adding that rescuers and volunteers must immediately stop activities when it starts to rain, even if it is only a light drizzle. He also highlighted other warning signs, such as leaning trees or buildings, new springs, bulges in the slope, or doors and windows that suddenly become difficult to open - possible indications of a foundation collapse.

‘I heard a huge boom. When I ran home, it had already happened,’ Mr Daryana told Indonesian BBC, sitting in shock at Majenang Regional Hospital after losing his wife and daughter. He was dragged 15 metres by the moving ground and was unable to return to save his family.

Local residents reported that the landslide originated in the hills cultivated with coconut trees, banana trees and bamboo. ‘The ground above collapsed by almost two metres. The debris travelled about two kilometres downhill,’ explained one resident.

The head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), General Suharyanto, deployed 200 personnel to support the rescue operations. He confirmed that 28 homes located in the high-risk area must be evacuated immediately. The governor of Central Java province, General Ahmad Luthfi, announced the allocation of 400 billion rupees (approximately £20,600) for the relocation of affected families. A 3.5-hectare plot of land in Majenang has been prepared for the construction of temporary shelters and permanent housing.

The Majenang disaster comes shortly after another deadly landslide last year in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, which claimed at least 20 lives. Experts warn that extreme rainfall, combined with Indonesia's geological conditions, continues to increase the risk of landslides across the country.