A landslide in a quarry in West Java, Indonesia has resulted in significant loss of life, with at least 10 quarry workers confirmed dead and challenges complicating the rescue efforts.
Landslide Tragedy in Indonesia Claims Lives of Quarry Workers
Landslide Tragedy in Indonesia Claims Lives of Quarry Workers
At least 10 dead in West Java quarry incident as rescue operations face challenges.
A devastating landslide struck a quarry in West Java, Indonesia on Friday, claiming the lives of at least 10 quarry workers, as confirmed by the country’s national disaster management agency. The tragedy unfolded around 10 a.m. near the city of Cirebon, roughly 135 miles east of the capital, Jakarta. In addition to the fatalities, six individuals sustained injuries and were receiving treatment at local medical facilities.
In the aftermath of the landslide, emergency responders were seen using heavy machinery to search through the rubble, as televised reports from Kompas TV showcased the chaos of the incident. However, as night fell around 5 p.m., officials decided to cease searches due to deteriorating visibility and the threat of further landslides, according to Mukhammad Yusron, the military district commander. He noted that search efforts are expected to resume on Saturday.
Bambang Tirto Mulyono, head of West Java's energy and mineral resources department, indicated that improper mining practices were to blame for the landslide. He explained that the mining was conducted from the bottom of the hill upwards, contrary to standard safety protocols. Mulyono emphasized that they had previously warned the mining operator about these unsafe practices and highlighted the site’s condition, which had been cordoned off by local police since February due to violations of safety standards.
Landslides are a recurring issue in Indonesia, particularly during the seasonal rainfall that typically occurs from October to April. This tragic event follows previous landslide incidents in which 10 lives were lost last month and 25 in January. The Indonesian archipelago, once densely forested, has seen significant deforestation over the last 50 years for agricultural purposes, exacerbating unstable soil conditions. There have also been incidents of landslides resulting in casualties linked to illegal gold mining operations.
As rescue teams prepare to continue their search amidst a challenging environment, the nation mourns the loss of lives in yet another stark reminder of the dangers posed by inappropriate mining practices and environmental changes.
