SAR Team Halts Search for Sukajaya Landslide Victims

TEMPO.CO, Bogor - Joint Rescue Team (SAR) had to stop the search for the three victims that were buried by a landslide in Kampung Sinar Harapan, Sukajaya, Bogor Regency.

Head Office of the SAR of Bandung, Deden Ridwansah, said that the last search on Sunday afternoon, January 12, 2020, the team did not find any signs of the victim. "We also consider the condition of the search personnel," said Deden on Monday, January 13, 2020.

Deden believed that the process of the search for the victims, which already entered the 12th day, was not effective. He stated that the main obstacle in the search operation of the three victims was the weather and terrain constraints. Those 3 victims was Amri, Maesaroh, and Rika.

Although the search operation was over, Deden continued, Basarnas is still on standby monitoring. The monitoring is necessary to anticipate the findings of the family or citizens who see signs of the victim. "We are ready and always standby (for evacuation)," said Deden.

Head of Sub Directorate of RPDO Basarnas, Agus Haryono, added that the condition of the terrain and the thickness of mud were the main reason that complicate the search process by the SAR. The absence of heavy equipment also made the search harder.

Heavy equipment could not be used because the access road to the village is cut off. However, Agus believed that the joint rescue team had done its duties optimally and professionally. "I hope that the rescue team remained solid and always ready for another humanitarian mission," said Agus.

Mahfuzulloh Al Murtadho | Safira Andini