Death toll climbs to 53 in Indonesia landslide as 27 remain missing

ISTANBUL

The death toll from Saturday’s landslide in Indonesia rose to 53 as search and rescue operations continued Wednesday for dozens missing in West Java, according to state-run news agency Antara.

Two more bodies were found on the fifth day of the disaster as search and rescue operations continued despite harsh weather, with dozens of heavy machines and tracking dogs deployed at the site.

"As of 4 p.m.(0900GMT), a total of 53 body bags have been recovered, and the DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) team has identified 38 victims," said the head of the Bandung Search and Rescue Office Ade Dian.

With 53 bodies recovered and 75 survivors, 27 people remain missing out of the 155 affected.

"In accordance with the disaster emergency response status, the search and rescue operation is planned to continue for 14 days and will be evaluated on the seventh day," said Dian.

The disaster displaced at least 685 people who have been relocated.

On Monday, Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Muhammad Ali said 23 soldiers were buried by the landslide during a training exercise in the area. Four have been confirmed dead, while 19 are missing.

The landslide struck a village in West Bandung regency on Saturday, burying dozens of homes under mud and debris.

Rescue efforts are ongoing in the affected area, which is marked by difficult terrain.