Landslide claims 9 lives and leaves over 80 missing in West Bandung, Indonesia
At least nine people have been reported dead, while over 80 remain missing, in Indonesia after a major landslide destroyed homes and forced evacuations in the Pasir Langu village on January 24, 2026.
Heavy rainfall over the past several days triggered a major landslide in Pasir Langu village in the West Bandung District, of West Java Province, early on January 24
At least 9 people were found dead, while over 80 remained missing after the landslide buried more than 30 homes under mud and debris.
Emergency teams were deployed to the site, but rescue efforts were hindered by thick mud, unstable terrain, and continuing rain.
At least 400 people in the village have been evacuated, according to the Bad weather hampers search for 82 victims of West Bandung landslide, reported Antara.
Fatality totals could rise as the search continues and more bodies are uncovered.
Authorities reported that heavy rainfall over the previous 72 hours had saturated the soil, causing riverbanks to overflow and increasing the risk of further slope failures.
Local officials said the search operation involves manual excavation, water pumping, and the use of drones to locate trapped residents.
Local police chief urged residents to remain vigilant and stay away from affected areas, as unstable ground may trigger another landslide.
The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the current rainfall intensity in parts of West Java exceeds 100 mm (4 inches) per day, with continued precipitation expected through the week.
Landslides are common during Indonesia’s rainy season, which typically lasts from October to April. High population density and widespread hillside settlements contribute to frequent casualties during such events.
The last major landslide in West Java occurred in March 2024, killing 21 people after a week of heavy rain.
Feature image credit: BPBD Provinsi Jawa Barat
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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