The joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team has successfully located three more landslide victims in Cibeunying Village, Cilacap Regency, Central Java, on the third day of search operations, Saturday (November 15). With these latest discoveries, the total number of deceased victims found now stands at six, while dozens more are still reported missing.
The first victim identified was Muhammad Hafiz (6), recovered at 10:06 AM Western Indonesia Time (WIB). This was followed by Nurisnaini (30), found at 10:44 AM WIB, and Asmanto (70), located at 11:37 AM WIB. All three victims were discovered at the same location, specifically worksite A2, underscoring the team’s focused efforts.
“Alhamdulillah, we have once again found three bodies, leaving 17 more victims to be located. We are working with maximum effort. This morning, we only had two heavy equipment units, which increased to four, and now we have seven, with plans to expand to 12 units,” stated Major General TNI Budi Irawan, Deputy for Emergency Handling at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), during a press conference in Cibeunying Village.
He further explained that the search terrain presents significant challenges, as victims are buried under landslide material ranging from 3 to 8 meters deep. The additional heavy equipment is crucial for accelerating excavation activities and broadening the search area, which is vital for effective recovery operations.
It is hoped that favorable weather conditions will support and expedite the ongoing process. Major General Budi Irawan assured that all basic needs for affected residents have been met. “In line with the President’s directive, the handling of victims must be comprehensive, encompassing not only the search efforts but also the provision of temporary housing for residents whose homes are no longer habitable,” he added.
Search for Landslide Victims
Muhammad Abdullah, Head of the Cilacap SAR Office, detailed that the victim search operation has been meticulously divided into two main sectors: Sector A and Sector B. Sector A is further segmented into three worksites—A1, A2, and A3—while Sector B comprises B1 and B2, allowing for a systematic approach to the vast affected area.
“During the third day of implementation, the first two victims were found deceased at worksite A2. Most recently, at 11:37 AM WIB, a body part of a victim was also evacuated from the same location,” Abdullah confirmed on Saturday (November 15), highlighting the intensity of the recovery efforts in this specific area.
He further elaborated that the evacuation process heavily relies on excavators due to the exceptionally thick layer of landslide material and the persistent instability of the soil, which poses considerable risks to the rescue teams. Once successfully evacuated, all bodies are immediately transported to Majenang Regional Hospital for further identification procedures by the medical team, ensuring respectful and professional handling.
The SAR operation receives extensive support from a wide array of entities, including K9 units from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and Basarnas. Essential equipment such as alkon pumps and heavy machinery from BNPB, along with personnel from various SAR potential groups and government agencies, are all contributing to the coordinated response.
“The joint SAR team remains steadfast in continuing the search at the mapped points. We are committed to working tirelessly until all victims are found,” Abdullah affirmed, underscoring the unwavering dedication of the rescue personnel.
The search operation will persist as long as weather conditions and terrain stability permit, with a paramount focus on expediting the discovery of the remaining missing victims. This commitment is vital for bringing closure to affected families and ensuring a thorough response to the disaster.
The catastrophic landslide initially struck on Thursday (November 13) around 7:00 PM WIB, burying residential homes in Tarukahan and Cibuyut Hamlets. Initial data indicated 46 victims in total, comprising 23 survivors, two fatalities, and 21 individuals missing, painting a grim picture of the immediate aftermath.
Furthermore, three residents—Maya, Haryanto, and Andi—sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at Majenang Regional Hospital. The disaster also caused extensive property damage, destroying 12 homes, threatening 16 others, and burying a residential area spanning 6.5 hectares under a 2-meter ground subsidence, accompanied by a 25-meter-long crack in the earth.
As of Saturday, 12:00 PM WIB, a total of six victims have been confirmed deceased, which means 17 residents are still actively being searched for. The ongoing operation aims to locate every missing individual, providing much-needed clarity amidst the devastation.
Summary
The joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team has located three additional landslide victims in Cibeunying Village, Cilacap Regency, bringing the total confirmed fatalities to six. These latest discoveries, Muhammad Hafiz (6), Nurisnaini (30), and Asmanto (70), were made at worksite A2 on Saturday, November 15. The tragic landslide initially occurred on Thursday, November 13, burying residential homes and destroying 12 houses. Rescuers are still actively searching for 17 missing individuals.
Search operations are systematically divided into sectors, with victims buried under 3 to 8 meters of material in challenging terrain. The team is utilizing increasing heavy equipment, now seven units, to accelerate excavation and broaden the search area. Major General TNI Budi Irawan emphasized comprehensive victim handling, including providing temporary housing and ensuring basic needs are met for affected residents while the search continues.
