Missing Persons Search: SAR Team Deployed

Landslides in West Java Claim Lives,Dozens Missing After Intense Rainfall

A devastating series of landslides in West Bandung Regency,West Java,has resulted in at least six confirmed fatalities and left dozens missing as of Saturday,January 24,2026. The disasters, triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall, have impacted communities in Pasirlangu Village and the Lembang area, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation.

Initial Impact and Rescue Efforts

The initial landslide struck Pasirlangu Village, Cisarua District, on Saturday, with a KompasTV journalist reporting both deaths and disappearances.Village data indicates that 21 individuals have survived the disaster, while the number of confirmed deaths currently stands at six. However,authorities caution that this figure is subject to change as the ongoing search and evacuation efforts continue. A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team is currently focused on areas where victims are believed to be buried.

Did you know? – Landslides are most common during periods of prolonged or intense rainfall, but can also occur after earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Indonesia is notably vulnerable due to it’s topography and climate.

Expanding Disaster: Lembang Also Affected

The disaster wasn’t limited to Pasirlangu. A senior official stated that a second landslide occurred in the Lembang area of West Bandung Regency on the same day. “Today there were two landslides in West Bandung, the first in Pasirlangu, the second in Lembang,” the official confirmed.

Pro tip – If you live in a landslide-prone area, be aware of warning signs like cracks in walls, tilting trees, or unusual sounds like rumbling. Report any concerns to local authorities.

Rainfall as a Primary Cause

The intense rainfall is widely considered the primary catalyst for the landslides.According to reports, the high intensity of the precipitation saturated the ground, destabilizing slopes and triggering the devastating events. “This is one of the causes because the intensity of the rain is quite high,” one official explained.

Uncertainty Remains Regarding Total Impact

While the West Java BPBD (Regional disaster Management Agency) has deployed teams to the affected areas to assist with search and evacuation, a comprehensive assessment of the total number of victims remains elusive. The Head of West Java BPBD, Teten Ali Mulku, acknowledged the difficulty in confirming the full extent of the damage, stating that the agency is prioritizing the immediate rescue of those still missing.

The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as they become available.

Reader question – What can communities do to better prepare for and mitigate the risks of landslides in the future? Share your thoughts and ideas.

Why did it happen? The landslides were triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall that saturated the ground, destabilizing slopes in the West Bandung Regency of West java.

Who was affected? Communities in Pasirlangu village (Cisarua District) and the Lembang area were directly impacted. As of January 24, 2026, at least six people were confirmed dead, dozens are missing, and 21 have survived.

What happened? A series of landslides struck West Bandung Regency, with the initial slide occurring in Pasirlangu Village followed by a second in Lembang. A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched.

How did it end? As of the latest reports, the search and rescue operation is ongoing, with teams prioritizing the recovery of missing individuals. A full assessment of the damage and the total number of victims is still underway, and the situation remains fluid. Authorities are working to provide assistance to survivors and assess the long-term impact of the disaster.