The Difficulty of Evacuating Landslides in Pekalongan, Weather and Roads as Major Obstacles

Kapanlagi.com - The evacuation process for landslide disaster victims in Pekalongan Regency, Central Java, is currently facing very heavy challenges. Continuous heavy rain and severe road conditions make access to the landslide site increasingly difficult. A joint team consisting of various elements is still struggling hard to evacuate victims and distribute aid to those affected.

The Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf has deployed the Disaster Response Team (Tagana) to expedite the evacuation process and set up community kitchens for the victims. In this noble mission, the local government collaborates with various parties, including BNPB, TNI, and Polri, although difficult terrain poses obstacles in the efforts to accelerate evacuation.

On the other hand, the weather is expected to remain unfriendly in the coming days. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a warning that heavy rain still has the potential to trigger subsequent landslides, making the situation even more urgent in the disaster area.

1. Chronology of the Pekalongan Landslide Disaster

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The landslide disaster that struck Pekalongan Regency on January 20-21, 2025, became a nightmare for local residents after heavy rain drenched the area throughout the night. The worst landslide occurred in Petungkriono District, killing 11 people and leaving 15 others missing, with the current number of victims found reaching 17 souls.

The search efforts of the joint team are still hindered by bad weather and disrupted road access, as stated by the Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center of BNPB, Abdul Muhari. In this critical situation, the Regent of Pekalongan, Fadia Arafiq, proposed that this incident be declared an Extraordinary Event (KLB) to attract attention and assistance from the central government.

2. The Role of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Tagana in Disaster Management

BPBD Pekalongan Regency

The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) quickly moved by deploying the Disaster Preparedness Youth Team (Tagana) to the disaster site, bringing hope to the victims. This trained team is ready to conquer difficult terrain to carry out evacuations and set up field kitchens, ensuring that the needs of the victims and personnel in the field are met.

Moreover, Kemensos also distributed logistical assistance worth IDR 1.4 billion, including food packages, clothing, mattresses, and emergency tents. The synergy between Tagana, BPBD, and local volunteers has become the main pillar in this heroic effort, bringing a spirit of togetherness in disaster management.

3. Obstacles in the Field: Weather and Difficult Terrain

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Amid the heavy rain pouring down in Pekalongan, the challenge of evacuating landslide victims becomes increasingly difficult. The already unstable soil poses a greater risk of secondary landslides, while roads covered with landslide debris block access to the heavy machinery that is desperately needed.

Despite various obstacles, the combined team's spirit to find all victims remains unwavering. However, the local government acknowledges that this process will take longer, given the very complex and challenging situation.

4. Impact of the Disaster on the People of Pekalongan

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The landslide disaster that struck Pekalongan has caused worrying impacts, shaking the lives of the local community with incalculable losses. In addition to claiming lives, the floods that affected nine sub-districts forced over 140 people to leave their homes and seek shelter in safer places, including two mosques that are now functioning as temporary evacuation centers.

The damage to infrastructure is severe, with three bridges destroyed and main roads submerged, while many houses have suffered heavy damage, leaving residents homeless. In an effort to alleviate the burden, the local government, together with the Ministry of Social Affairs, is working hard to distribute logistical aid, although significant challenges remain: ensuring that the aid reaches hard-to-reach locations on time.

5. Anticipation Steps and Warnings from BMKG

Public Relations of Pekalongan Regency

BMKG has issued an important warning regarding the high intensity of rain expected to hit Pekalongan in the coming days. This condition raises concerns about the possibility of subsequent disasters, such as flash floods and landslides.

Therefore, residents living in disaster-prone areas are urged to evacuate immediately for their safety. Meanwhile, the local government continues to coordinate with various parties to ensure preparedness at the community level, in order to protect the public from the lurking threat of disasters.

6. What is the main cause of landslides in Pekalongan?

The heavy rain that has struck the area has caused the soil to become unstable, triggering concerning landslides. Additionally, the vulnerable geographical conditions further exacerbate the situation, creating a real threat to the surrounding community.

7. What is the role of Tagana in handling this disaster?

The Tagana team promptly intervened in the evacuation of disaster victims, set up a public kitchen ready to serve warm meals, and distributed much-needed logistical assistance to the survivors.

8. What is the impact of the landslide disaster on the residents?

Amid the disaster, not only lives were lost, but hundreds of residents were forced to leave their homes, while many buildings were in ruins and access roads were blocked by piles of landslide debris that posed a threat.

9. What is BMKG's prediction regarding the weather in Pekalongan?

BMKG warns that heavy rain will continue to pour over our region in the coming days, which certainly increases the potential for subsequent disasters.

(kpl/srr)