Speaking during a preparation routine at the landslide site in Cibeunying Village, Majenang Sub-district, Cilacap, Central Java, on Wednesday, Karnavian said search and rescue (SAR) operations could be extended if all victims have not yet been evacuated.
“This is already the seventh day. If not all victims are found, the operation will be extended by three days,” he said.
He noted that heavy rainfall is predicted across many parts of Indonesia. Data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) indicates a high risk of heavy rain in Sumatra, Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, southern Maluku, and southern Papua.
“BMKG has warned that rainfall will be high in many regions. This must be taken seriously by all local governments,” he stressed.
He also highlighted Java as particularly vulnerable due to its dense population.
He called on authorities to identify high-risk areas and prepare mitigation measures, including relocating residents from dangerous zones.
Tito also praised the Search and Rescue (SAR) teams working under challenging conditions.
Meanwhile, Head of Cilacap SAR Muhammad Abdullah said victim search operations continue at three main sites using drones, search dogs, heavy equipment, and both modern and manual extraction tools.
The landslide on Thursday (November 13) buried several homes in Tarukahan and Cibuyut hamlets, damaging 12 houses and threatening 16 more across a 6.5-hectare area, with land subsidence up to two meters and cracks spanning 25 meters.
As of Wednesday, November 19, 1 p.m., three people remain missing, 18 victims have been found deceased, and 23 survived, according to Cilacap SAR.
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Translator: Sumarwoto, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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