Indonesia Landslide Leaves Dozens Missing And Dead

On the morning of January 24, 2026, a devastating landslide struck the slopes of Burangrang Mountain in West Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake. Triggered by days of relentless heavy rain, the landslide buried at least 34 houses in the village of Pasir Langu, according to reports from the Associated Press and Vietnam News Agency. As search and rescue operations entered their second day, the scale of the disaster became painfully clear: more than 80 people were initially reported missing, and the death toll continued to climb as teams raced against time and the elements to find survivors.

Rescue efforts began almost immediately after the disaster, but they have been hampered by treacherous conditions. The terrain around Burangrang Mountain is steep and rocky, making it nearly impossible to deploy heavy machinery. "The mud deposits may be as high as 5 meters," explained Ade Dian Permana, head of the local search and rescue office, as quoted by AP. "Our search and rescue teams have to move cautiously." The area affected by the landslide stretched for more than two kilometers, with searchers forced to navigate unstable ground and the ever-present risk of further slides.

To aid in the search, Indonesian authorities deployed a 250-person rescue team, supported by drones and service dogs. The operation was a coordinated effort involving the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), as well as police and military units, according to Vietnam News Agency. The use of drones provided an aerial perspective of the vast mudslide, while service dogs helped sniff out signs of life—or tragedy—beneath the thick layers of earth and debris.

By January 25, the grim task of recovering bodies was underway. Indonesian police reported that 16 victims had been found in the Cisarua area of West Bandung, while Permana told AP that the total number of bodies recovered had risen to 25 by late in the day. The bodies were to be handed over to families after forensic identification, a process that added another layer of pain for those waiting for news of their loved ones. Despite the best efforts of rescuers, 72 people remained missing as of January 25, many presumed to be buried under tons of mud and rocks.

Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moment the disaster struck. Several reported hearing a loud explosion before a massive wall of mud and debris swept down the mountainside, engulfing homes and everything in its path. In the words of one local resident, "It sounded like thunder, then suddenly the earth moved and houses disappeared." The force of the landslide was so great that dozens of houses were completely buried, leaving little hope for those trapped inside.

Heavy rain continued to fall across the region, complicating rescue efforts and raising fears of further landslides. Meteorologists and disaster prevention agencies warned that the saturated soil remained dangerously unstable, and more rain was forecast in the coming days. Local authorities issued urgent warnings for residents to stay away from the affected areas to avoid additional casualties. "The risk of continued landslides remains high," officials cautioned, as reported by Vietnam News Agency.

Indonesia's Vice President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, visited the disaster site on January 25, offering condolences to the victims' families and pledging government action to prevent similar tragedies in the future. During his visit, he emphasized the importance of addressing land conversion and development in disaster-prone regions. "Local authorities in West Bandung must resolve the issue of land conversion in areas vulnerable to natural disasters," Raka stated, according to AP. He called for a comprehensive approach that includes risk mitigation measures and stricter oversight of land use in mountainous areas.

The landslide on Burangrang Mountain is just the latest in a series of natural disasters that have plagued Indonesia in recent years. The country's tropical climate and mountainous terrain make it particularly susceptible to landslides, especially during the rainy season. Experts point out that deforestation, unplanned land development, and changes in land use have exacerbated the risks, leaving communities more vulnerable to catastrophic events. The disaster in West Java has reignited debate over how best to balance economic growth with environmental protection and public safety.

For the families of the missing and the survivors, however, such debates offer little comfort in the face of unimaginable loss. Many have lost not only loved ones, but also their homes and livelihoods. In the village of Pasir Langu, the mood is somber as residents grapple with the aftermath of the landslide. Local officials have set up temporary shelters for those displaced by the disaster, and humanitarian organizations are working to provide food, water, and medical assistance to those in need.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the courage and resilience of the search and rescue teams have been a source of hope for the community. Working in dangerous conditions and often in pouring rain, they continue to comb through the mud and rubble, determined to bring closure to grieving families. "Our teams are doing everything possible," said Mohammad Syafii, head of the National Search and Rescue Agency, as cited by AP. "We will not stop until we have accounted for everyone."

As Indonesia mourns the victims of the Burangrang landslide, attention has turned to the urgent need for better disaster preparedness and land management. The tragedy has served as a stark reminder of the risks facing communities in vulnerable regions—and the importance of swift, coordinated action to save lives when disaster strikes. For now, the focus remains on the rescue effort, as families and rescuers alike hold on to hope amid the mud and rain.

The story of the Burangrang Mountain landslide is one of heartbreak, resilience, and a community united in the face of disaster. As the search continues, Indonesia looks toward a future where such tragedies can be prevented—and where the lessons of the past lead to a safer, more secure tomorrow.