Indonesia suspends rescue operations due to bad weather after landslide

(CLO) Indonesian rescuers have been forced to suspend their search operations due to adverse weather conditions, after the death toll from a landslide on Java island rose to at least 25, according to local rescue agencies.

Heavy rains in Pekalongan City, Central Java Province, on January 22 caused a serious landslide. Hundreds of rescue workers were mobilized to the scene to search for victims and deal with the consequences.

Rescuers transport trapped people. Photo: X/TRTWorldNow

Rescue spokesman Zulhawari Agustianto said the rescue operation had to be suspended due to heavy rain and thick fog, which hampered the search. Before the suspension, rescuers found three more bodies, bringing the total number of dead to 25, up from the initial 17.

The landslide occurred on the main road connecting Pekalongan city to Dieng Plateau – a popular tourist destination in Indonesia. Roads were severely damaged, forcing rescuers to walk about 4 km to reach the affected area. Excavators were also deployed to clear mud and debris to help open a road to the scene.

Java is the most densely populated region in Indonesia, with millions of people living there and important transport infrastructure. Due to its mountainous terrain and heavy rainfall during the rainy season, the area is frequently hit by severe landslides and flash floods, causing heavy loss of life and property.

Cao Phong (according to CNA, Thestar, TRT)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/indonesia-tam-dung-cuu-ho-do-thoi-tiet-xau-sau-vu-lo-dat-khien-25-nguoi-thiet-mang-post331973.html