Bandung: Twenty-three Indonesian sailors lost their lives in a devastating landslide in West Java province. An Indonesian navy spokesman confirmed on Tuesday that all sailors trapped under the landslide in the village of Pasir Langu, located in the Bandung Barat district, succumbed to the disaster. The landslide occurred early Saturday morning, following heavy rains the previous day.
According to Thai News Agency, the sailors, who were part of the Indonesian marines, were conducting training exercises in preparation for a border patrol between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea when they were caught in the landslide. The incident was attributed to extreme weather conditions, with heavy rainfall leading to a soil collapse at the site.
A spokesman for Indonesia's disaster relief agency noted that as of Tuesday afternoon, the overall death toll from the landslide had increased to 20 from 17, with 42 individuals still unaccounted for. The operation to rescue and recover victims involved at least 800 personnel, including rescue workers, soldiers, and police officers. They were supported by nine excavators in the ongoing search efforts.
Additionally, officials reported that 685 villagers from the affected area have been evacuated to a local government building to ensure their safety amidst the ongoing rescue activities.