At least two people have died and 21 remain missing following severe landslides on Indonesia’s Java island, as authorities continue search and rescue operations. The disasters struck several villages in the Cilacap district of Central Java province, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events during the annual monsoon season.

Heavy Rainfall Triggers Landslides

Officials from Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that several days of intense rainfall caused landslides, destroying dozens of homes in three villages in Cilacap on Thursday evening.

“As of Friday morning, the joint team has rescued 23 people alive. Two people were found deceased, and 21 others are still being searched for,” said Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for BNPB.

Muhari added that unstable terrain has complicated rescue efforts, necessitating the deployment of heavy machinery alongside manual extraction tools. Footage released by the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) shows rescuers painstakingly digging through rubble to locate survivors and victims.

Rescue Operations Underway

Rescue teams are continuing their search under difficult conditions, working to reach areas obstructed by debris and landslide rubble. Authorities have emphasized that the ongoing risk of further slides requires extreme caution in the search and recovery efforts.

Monsoon Season and Extreme Weather Warnings

Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, is highly susceptible to hydrometeorological disasters, particularly during the October-to-March monsoon season. Heavy rains often trigger flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous regions and fertile floodplains where millions reside.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued an extreme weather warning earlier this week, predicting high rainfall and potential hydrometeorological hazards across several parts of Indonesia over the coming weeks. Climate change is also contributing to more intense and unpredictable storm patterns, increasing the frequency of flash floods and landslides.

Recent Disasters in Indonesia

This latest tragedy follows a series of recent disasters in the country. Earlier this month, flash floods and landslides in Papua killed at least 15 people and left eight missing. In January 2025, Central Java experienced another severe flooding and landslide event, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 residents.

Authorities continue to urge local communities to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols as heavy rainfall persists across the region.