WEST BANDUNG LANDSLIDE DEATH TOLL REACHES 53

JAKARTA, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- A total of 53 bodies have been recovered so far from the landslide in West Bandung, West Java, as search and rescue (SAR) operations entered their fifth day on Wednesday.

National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) Chief Suharyanto said of the total, 35 victims have been identified by the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team.

“All heirs of identified victims have received compensation from the Ministry of Social Affairs,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

The landslide, triggered by high-intensity rainfall, struck Pasir Langu village at around 2.30am Saturday, burying several residential areas.

Suharyanto said the emergency response period is targeted to be completed within the next two weeks and will not be extended. 

Meanwhile, he said BNPB and the local government have recorded 48 houses that were heavily damaged or destroyed by the landslide.

“The Geological Agency is also collecting data to determine whether, beyond the 48 houses, there are other homes that must indeed be relocated,” he said, adding that the agency had also asked the local government to identify locations to be used for relocating affected residents.

He said BNPB would also provide temporary housing assistance funds to directly affected families currently staying with relatives, to be distributed from January to March.

“If they are directly affected and must stay in relatives’ homes, that is fine. Their rights will still be fulfilled. If their houses are damaged, destroyed, or severely damaged, they will receive temporary housing assistance funds,” he added.

-- BERNAMA