Landslides on the island of Java

Photo: depositphotos

Heavy rains that lasted for several days on the island of Java resulted in dangerous landslides that buried dozens of houses in three villages in Cilacap district, Central Java province. Rescuers were soon able to locate 23 survivors, but they are still searching for two dozen more.

The unstable terrain is making it difficult for all rescue teams to work, and heavy equipment has had to be called in. In some areas that are difficult to access, where even heavy equipment cannot reach, rescue teams are searching using hand tools.

The heavy rainfall was forecasted in advance by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, which also issued early warnings of extreme weather. Heavy rainfall is expected to hit other regions in Indonesia in the coming weeks.

During the monsoon season, which lasts from October to March, Indonesia faces regular floods and landslides that threaten its 17,000 islands and 285 million people. Much of the population lives in mountainous areas that are more prone to landslides. Indonesia's floodplains are also its most fertile areas, where the majority of the population is engaged in agriculture.

There is no doubt that climate change has negatively affected storm patterns, including the length and severity of the season, leading to heavier rains, flash floods and gusty winds. Since early November, floods and landslides have also claimed 15 lives in the Papua region.

Source: Aljazeera, Editorial Weathersunshine.com