Rescue Operations Halted Amid Banjarnegara Deadly Landslide

KBRN, Banjarnegara: The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) halted search and rescue operations after fresh ground movement struck Situkung Village, Banjarnegara, Central Java on Tuesday (18/11/2025). The landslide first hit the area on Sunday (16/11/2025) and caused severe damage.

Chief of BNPB, Suharyanto, visited the site on Tuesday (11/18/2025). He saw cracked roads, tilted houses, and the main crown of the landslide.

Dangerous soil shifts continued and put rescuers at risk. The third-day operation was stopped to protect SAR personnel.

"Rescue operations were suspended today due to ongoing ground movement," Suharyanto stated. He has also explained that weather modification efforts are being prepared to support safer searches.

BNPB reported 26 residents still missing and searched a top priority. The government deployed Cessna aircraft, heavy machinery, and K9 units to assist the operation.

According to the agency's press release, 917 residents have evacuated to safer shelters. Authorities are ensuring food, clothing, and sanitation needs are properly met.

The Geological Agency stated that the area faces medium ground-movement risk. Residents were urged to avoid the disaster zone and not enter it without necessity.