Deadly landslide hits Jemblung village in Central Java, Indonesia

Indonesian officials said at least 18 people were killed and 90 are still missing after a landslide set of by heavy rains buried dozens of houses in Jemblung village, Banjanegara district of Indonesia's Central Java, on Friday, December 12, 2014.

National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, said about 105 houses were swept away by landslide that occurred around 18:00 local time.

Hundreds of rescuers, including soldiers, police and residents, dug through the debris Saturday with their bare hands, shovels and hoes, while others used bamboo to carry black body bags containing corpses. (Chron)

Nugroho said some rescuers heard what sounded like calls for help coming from the debris, but that a lack of equipment had prevented them reaching possible victims. 

"Mud, rugged terrain and bad weather hampered our rescue efforts," Nugroho said, appealing for more heavy equipment.

About 420 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters. Eleven badly injured are being hospitalized.

Dozens of landslides caused by seasonal rains and high tides were reported across much of Indonesia in recent days.

Teo Blašković

I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.

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