Jakarta, Ekuatorial – At least 56 people were killed and 52 people were still missing after landslide struck Jembung hamlet of Banjarnegara district last Friday, said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for National Disaster Mitigation Agency or BNPB, on a text message, on Monday (15/12).

After two days of heavy rains started on Wednesday and Thursday, mud and soil came in buried at least 35 houses and a total of 17 hectares of areas, including eight hectares of paddy fields and five hectares of crops. It also covered local river with mud for about one kilometer. Besides the weather, BNPB stated that landslide happened because of weak soil structure of Tegalele hill.

“For today, we have managed to evacuate 17 victims, four among them were children, 12 were adults, and one was still unidentified,” said Nugroho. “It makes death toll reached 56 people, while 52 were still missing. We have to stop search and rescue due to bad weather at 3.30 pm.”

From 56 bodies, he said, six people have yet to be identified and 46 bodies have been returned to their families. He said that search and rescue will resume tomorrow [Tuesday] morning focusing in two spots, which were above eight houses towards highway and below 35 houses buried with mudslide.

“People are warned to be cautious all times because rainy season would only reach its peak in January. Most of landslides happen in January to February,” he said.

A total of 308 Jemblung villagers were affected by landslide, 200 people were evacuated but 108 people were predicted to be buried. However, BNPB reported 1,886 people from 38 points seek refuge to safer grounds.

After a short visit on Sunday (14/12), President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo had instructed to continue search and rescue mission, to raise awareness for people living in landslide prone areas, and clear up the road from mud and soil within ten days to open access for people. Meanwhile, Ganjar Pranowo, Central Java governor, also instructed for Central Java disaster mitigation agency to support Banjarnegara disaster mitigation agency to deal with the landslide.

BNPB reported that they have allocated Rp300 million (US$23,310) to Banjarnegara agency for operational. Meanwhile, Ministry of Social Affairs had promised to give Rp5 million (US$ 387) for each family and establish communal kitchen. Fidelis E. Satriastanti.

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