Head of the Bandung SAR Office, Ade Dian Permana, stated on Sunday that the operation focused on optimizing search efforts in priority sectors while controlling the risk of further landslides.
"As the number of joint SAR elements increases, we are expanding the search area to ensure maximum coverage," he said.
Permana noted that 158 people were affected by the disaster with 78 survived, 70 bodies have been recovered, and 10 remain missing, presumed buried under debris.
Before the ground search began, the team conducted a UAV drone assessment at 6:00 a.m. local time to map potential hazards, determine safe work areas, and establish evacuation routes.
"Once the area was declared safe, we deployed 22 K-9 dogs to search for victims across three sectors," Permana explained.
The active search began at 8:00 a.m. across Sectors Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie. Crews used manual and technical methods alongside 18 units of heavy equipment, ranging from PC 75 to PC 300 models, in a controlled and layered manner, tailored to the difficult terrain.
"The optimization of heavy equipment use is adjusted to the field situation and the results of the safety assessment, ensuring its effectiveness while not compromising personnel safety," he said.
The massive operation involved 3,713 personnel from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), local governments, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), relevant ministries and institutions, and volunteers.
Authorities confirmed that coordinated efforts will continue until all missing victims are located.
Related news: Basarnas vaccinates SAR teams during deadly West Java landslide search
Related news: Post-disaster public services improving: Deputy Home Minister
Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
