Nine Reported Missing After Flash Flood, Landslide Hit West Bandung Regency

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Nine people were reported missing in flash floods and landslides in West Bandung Regency on Sunday evening at 11:00 p.m. local time, March 24, 2024. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of West Bandung Regency stated that the agency was still sweeping the disaster area.

"As of 12:30 a.m., Monday, March 25, 2024, search and rescue operations are still being carried out by the joint team," reads the latest official statement of the West Bandung BPBD today.

The West Bandung BPBD team reported that the floods and landslides were triggered by heavy rain, as well as unstable soil conditions. The landslide hit Kampung Gintung in Cibenda Village, Cipongkor District, West Bandung Regency, West Java. In addition to the missing people, two injured residents were treated at the local health center.

From the results of BPBD's rapid assessment, 10 houses were severely damaged by the landslide, as well as one residential unit at risk of damage. The team stated that there are 99 families affected, so far. A total of 189 residents from the area fled to Padakati State Elementary School in Cipongkor Subdistrict, as well as the sports stadium in Cibenda Village.

As an emergency response, BPBD West Bandung Regency established an emergency post in the yard of Padakati Elementary School. BPBD and social services will activate a public kitchen. The displaced residents still need basic necessities, blankets, and mattresses.

Head of the Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Abdul Muhari, urged people living in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, especially during heavy rains that lasted for more than an hour.

"Residents who live near the landslide disaster site are expected to temporarily evacuate themselves to a safer place to anticipate the potential for subsequent landslides," Muhari said in a written statement.

IRSYAN HASYIM

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