DVI Teams Identify 20 Bodies in West Java Landslide, Dozens Still Missing
West Bandung, W. Java. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said on Tuesday that Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) teams have identified 20 bodies recovered from a deadly landslide in Cisarua, West Bandung regency, West Java.
BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari said the identification process was carried out gradually and carefully to ensure the accuracy of victim data. “The bodies that have been identified have been handed over to their families,” Abdul said in Jakarta, as quoted by state news agency Antara on Tuesday.
As of Monday at 6:30 p.m. local time, joint search and rescue teams had evacuated 38 body bags from the landslide site and transported them to the DVI post for further forensic examination. Of that number, 18 bodies remain in the identification process. At least 23 Marines were among those killed in the landslide while conducting training exercises in the area.
Search and rescue operations resumed on Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m., with authorities increasing the deployment of heavy equipment to accelerate the search for the remaining 52 missing victims. Nine excavators have been mobilized to comb through areas buried under landslide debris.
The joint SAR operation involves around 800 personnel drawn from multiple agencies, including the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police (Polri), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), volunteers, and local residents.
In addition to search efforts, BNPB continues to monitor conditions at evacuation centers for residents displaced by the disaster. As of the latest data, 685 people are taking shelter at the Pasirlangu Village Office. Of those, 353 evacuees are housed in the village sports hall, while 332 others are staying in the village hall.
To meet the basic needs of displaced residents, BNPB has distributed logistical assistance, including food packages, ready-to-eat meals, folding beds, blankets, mattresses, and hygiene kits.
BNPB said search operations and humanitarian assistance would continue at full capacity until all victims are found and the situation at the disaster site is declared safe. Authorities have also urged residents in landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant, particularly amid ongoing heavy rainfall that could increase the risk of further ground movement.
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