At least 16 people have been confirmed dead and seven others remain missing after a massive landslide struck a mountainous area in Indonesia’s Central Java province, local authorities reported on Monday.

The disaster hit the Cilacap region following days of relentless rain, triggering a large section of the hillside to collapse and bury dozens of homes. Search and rescue teams have been deployed to the area, working under difficult conditions as unstable soil and ongoing rainfall continue to pose risks.

Officials said that more than 100 personnel are involved in the search, supported by heavy machinery and rescue dogs. Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) noted that emergency crews are racing against time, as the chances of survival decrease with each passing hour.

In an effort to stabilize weather conditions and accelerate rescue operations, the government has also launched weather-modification flights aimed at reducing rainfall over the disaster zone.

Local authorities have evacuated surrounding villages due to the threat of additional landslides, while humanitarian aid, including temporary shelters, food supplies, and medical assistance, is being distributed to affected families.

The death toll may rise as rescue teams continue to clear debris and locate those who are still unaccounted for. (ILKHA)