Search Continues for More Than 80 Missing After West Bandung Landslide

Bandung: Search and rescue (SAR) teams are continuing efforts to locate more than 80 residents reported missing after a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall struck the slopes of Mount Burangrang in West Bandung District, West Java, early Saturday morning.

West Java Provincial Secretary Herman Suryatman said a total of 113 residents were affected by the disaster. Joint SAR teams, supported by search dogs, have been deployed to the area.

“Of the 113 affected residents, 23 have been rescued and are receiving medical care. Eight people have been confirmed dead, while 82 others are still missing,” Suryatman said at the disaster site, as quoted from Antara, Saturday, 24 January 2026.

West Bandung District Head Jeje Ritchie Ismail is personally overseeing the rescue operation, which involves personnel from the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), as well as police and military units.

Authorities are prioritizing medical treatment and shelter for survivors, with several residents evacuated to temporary refugee centers. Rescue operations, however, remain highly dependent on weather conditions, officials said.

Cisarua Sub-district Police Chief Adjunct Commissioner Yogaswara said the landslide occurred at around 3:00 a.m. local time. Residents reported hearing a loud rumbling sound shortly before mud and debris swept through homes in Pasirlangu Village.

“Witnesses heard a strong rumble before the landslide hit Pasirkuning and Pasir Kuda hamlets. A flash flood was also reported following the landslide,” Yogaswara said.

He urged residents to remain alert and avoid the affected areas, warning that unstable soil conditions could trigger further landslides.

“Our teams are continuing the search for missing victims while ensuring the safety of rescue personnel,” Yogaswara added.

Initial reports indicate that dozens of homes were buried under mud and debris as a result of the landslide.