In West Java, Indonesia, a landslide at a quarry near Cirebon has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 10 workers, with rescue efforts temporarily suspended due to dangerous conditions. The disaster, which occurred around 10 a.m., has highlighted ongoing concerns about mining safety in the region.
Landslide Tragedy Claims Lives of Quarry Workers in Indonesia
Landslide Tragedy Claims Lives of Quarry Workers in Indonesia
A devastating landslide in West Java has left at least 10 quarry workers dead and several more injured, prompting a halt in rescue operations.
Rescue teams were deployed after the landslide struck around 10 a.m. on Friday, killing 10 quarry workers, according to the national disaster management agency in Indonesia. The incident took place near the city of Cirebon, approximately 135 miles east of Jakarta, the nation's capital. Six workers were reported injured and are currently receiving medical attention in local hospitals.
Images broadcasted by Kompas TV revealed excavators sifting through the debris, as officials diligently searched for any potential survivors at the site, which is characterized by treacherous terrain and steep hills. However, as evening approached, rescue operations were suspended around 5 p.m. for safety reasons due to low visibility and the threat of further landslides. Resumption of search efforts is planned for Saturday.
Bambang Tirto Mulyono, head of West Java's department of energy and mineral resources, stated that the landslide was attributed to dangerous mining practices, specifically the method of mining from the bottom of the hill upwards instead of following safer standards. Despite warnings to the mining operators about safety protocols, there has been little compliance. Furthermore, the police have cordoned off the area since February due to these safety violations.
Indonesia frequently faces landslides particularly during its rainy season, which lasts from October to April. Recent months have seen several tragic incidents; last month alone, a landslide resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals who were caught in vehicles on Java, while another landslide in January claimed 25 more lives.
The challenges of landslides in Indonesia are further exacerbated by extensive deforestation and illegal mining activities, which have destabilized soil conditions across the archipelago. A recent landslide in an unauthorized gold mining site on Sulawesi island led to the death of 24 individuals in November.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for stricter enforcement of mining safety regulations in Indonesia, to prevent future catastrophes and safeguard the lives of workers.
Images broadcasted by Kompas TV revealed excavators sifting through the debris, as officials diligently searched for any potential survivors at the site, which is characterized by treacherous terrain and steep hills. However, as evening approached, rescue operations were suspended around 5 p.m. for safety reasons due to low visibility and the threat of further landslides. Resumption of search efforts is planned for Saturday.
Bambang Tirto Mulyono, head of West Java's department of energy and mineral resources, stated that the landslide was attributed to dangerous mining practices, specifically the method of mining from the bottom of the hill upwards instead of following safer standards. Despite warnings to the mining operators about safety protocols, there has been little compliance. Furthermore, the police have cordoned off the area since February due to these safety violations.
Indonesia frequently faces landslides particularly during its rainy season, which lasts from October to April. Recent months have seen several tragic incidents; last month alone, a landslide resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals who were caught in vehicles on Java, while another landslide in January claimed 25 more lives.
The challenges of landslides in Indonesia are further exacerbated by extensive deforestation and illegal mining activities, which have destabilized soil conditions across the archipelago. A recent landslide in an unauthorized gold mining site on Sulawesi island led to the death of 24 individuals in November.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for stricter enforcement of mining safety regulations in Indonesia, to prevent future catastrophes and safeguard the lives of workers.
