Deadly Landslides in Indonesia Claim 18 Lives, Dozens Still Missing

Heavy rains in Indonesia's Central Java province have triggered deadly landslides that killed at least 18 people, with rescue teams still searching for survivors buried under meters of debris. The disaster highlights Indonesia's ongoing struggle with seasonal flooding and landslides that claim hundreds of lives each year.

The landslide hit Sebayuning village in Cilacap city last week, burying dozens of homes under tons of earth and rock. Indonesia's disaster management agency said rescue operations face major challenges because victims are trapped three to eight meters underground.

Search and rescue teams are working around the clock, but the depth of the debris makes recovery efforts slow and dangerous. The remote location of the affected village also complicates bringing in heavy equipment needed for the operation.

Indonesia's meteorological agency says the country's rainy season started in September and will likely continue until April. This six-month period brings intense rainfall that regularly causes floods and landslides across the archipelago nation.

The Southeast Asian country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent natural disasters. Its mountainous terrain and dense population in rural areas make communities particularly vulnerable when heavy rains saturate steep slopes.

Indonesia records hundreds of deaths from landslides and floods each year during the rainy season. Poor drainage systems in many areas and deforestation on hillsides make the problem worse. Many villages lack early warning systems that could help residents evacuate before disasters strike.

Central Java, one of Indonesia's most densely populated provinces, has experienced several deadly landslides in recent years. The region's combination of steep terrain, heavy rainfall, and crowded settlements creates perfect conditions for these disasters.