West Bandung, Indonesia – At least 44 people have died after a landslide ripped through Pasirlangu village last Saturday, January 26, 2026, leaving rescuers scrambling through thick mud and a growing list of missing. The disaster, triggered by days of heavy rainfall, has displaced hundreds and exposed a troubling pattern of deforestation contributing to such tragedies.
Search Continues as Landslide Death Toll Climbs
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Rescuers race against time and worsening weather to find survivors in West Java.
- A landslide in Pasirlangu village,West Bandung,Indonesia,has claimed at least 44 lives.
- Around 20 people remain missing as of January 31, 2026.
- Authorities have extended the search and rescue operation until February 6, 2026.
- Deforestation is being cited as a major contributing factor to the disaster.
What’s the biggest challenge facing rescue teams? According to Mohammad syafii, head of the national search and rescue agency, “The area is experiencing light to moderate rain accompanied by a light fog so there is limited visibility.” Thousands of personnel, including military, police, and volunteers, are manually digging through the debris alongside heavy machinery.
The search effort, now entering its second week, has been hampered by persistent inclement weather.Syafii announced the operation would continue until February 6, 2026. Adding another layer of concern, the Indonesian navy reported Monday that 23 troops were among those caught in the landslide. They were conducting training in the area in preparation for deployment to the border with Papua New Guinea.
Deforestation Blamed for Increased risk
provincial governor Dedi Mulyadi pointed to widespread land conversion as a key factor in the disaster. “What used to be forested areas and mountains have all become farmland,” he stated during a visit to the affected region this week. The loss of trees weakens the soil’s ability to absorb rainfall and maintain stability, dramatically increasing the risk of landslides.
This isn’t an isolated incident. The Indonesian government previously highlighted the role of deforestation in devastating floods and landslides on Sumatra island late last year,which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and displaced over 240,000 people. Forests act as natural buffers, absorbing water and anchoring the ground with their root systems.
Landslides and flooding are unluckily common occurrences throughout the Indonesian archipelago during the rainy season, which typically lasts from October to March.
