Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Desperate volunteers dig with bare hands as Indonesian mudslides claim scores of victims

Torrential rain and high tides contributed to disasters on Java, described by one survivor as 'like a nightmare'

Rose Troup Buchanan
Saturday 13 December 2014 13:08 GMT
Comments
Rescuers survey the devastation
Rescuers survey the devastation (AFP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rescuers dug with their bare hands in an effort to save villagers trapped after torrential rains swept through central Indonesia, killing at least 18 and injuring almost 100.

Hundreds of volunteers, including residents, police officers and soldiers, used their bare hands, shovels and hoes to try and rescue people trapped by the mudslide yesterday in Central Java province's Banjarnegara district.

Around 105 houses were swept away and so far 18 people have been confirmed dead, 90 are still missing and 11 villagers have been taken to local hospitals after a cascade of red soil and rock struck small communities on the hillsides.

"It was like a nightmare. ... We suddenly heard a terrible roar and we were immediately fleeing from the rain of red soil," said Wahono, a resident who survived with his four family members. "Many failed and they were buried in the ground."

A house can just been seen peeping out from the mud
A house can just been seen peeping out from the mud (AP)

Crying family members claimed they could hear relatives and friends calling for help during the night, but faced with a lack of tools and support prevented any real assistance.

"Mud, rugged terrain and bad weather hampered our rescue efforts," said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

The rescue efforts begin
The rescue efforts begin (AP)

The disaster is the second landslide to hit the densely populated Java Island in days. On Thursday at least one villager died after mud and debris struck Central Java's Wonosobo district.

Indonesia, home to 17,000 people across a series of islands, is currently experiencing frequent landslides as seasonal rains and high tides form a deadly combination.

Additional reporting by Associated Press

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in