Indonesia DisasterResponse MonsoonSeason

Dozens missing following deadly landslide in West Bandung

*Landslide debris covering Pasir Langu village after heavy rainfall in West Java. Source: Reuters (image by Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana)*

Authorities in Indonesia are continuing large-scale search and recovery operations after a major landslide struck Pasir Langu village in West Java, leaving at least 17 people confirmed dead and more than 70 still missing. The incident occurred in the early hours of 24 January 2026 following prolonged heavy rainfall across the region, which has also triggered flooding and smaller slope failures elsewhere in the province.

Approximately 230 residents were evacuated from areas surrounding the slide zone as a precaution, with emergency shelters established by local authorities.

Landslide indicative location. Source: Al Jazeera

According to the National Search and Rescue Agency, rescue teams have been working continuously under difficult and hazardous conditions. The landslide debris extends for more than two kilometres downslope, with mud depths reaching up to five metres in some areas. Unstable ground has prevented the use of heavy excavation equipment, forcing responders to rely on manual digging, drones, and search dogs to locate victims.

Intermittent rainfall has repeatedly interrupted operations, increasing the risk of secondary landslides. Recovered remains are undergoing forensic identification before being returned to families.

The landslide occurred on the slopes of Mount Burangrang, within the North Bandung Area, a designated conservation and water-catchment zone. Environmental groups have raised concerns that long-term land conversion and development in steep, high-risk terrain may have weakened slope stability and increased runoff during extreme rainfall.

Indonesia experiences frequent landslides during the monsoon season, particularly in mountainous regions where dense populations live on or below steep slopes. Particularly, the incident follows a tragic landslide on December 7, 2025, in West Java, Indonesia, which left a wide scar across the hillside and caused extensive damage to nearby residential areas.

Authorities have warned that continued rainfall could further destabilise the area.

Deadly landslide on December 7, 2025, in West Java, Indonesia, that devastated hillside terrain and impacted surrounding villages. Source: Al Jazeera (image by Timur Matahari/AFP)

Senior government officials have visited the site and pledged support for affected communities. Search operations are expected to continue as long as weather and ground conditions allow, while damage assessments and investigations into land-use compliance are underway.