The death toll from landslides in two areas of Central Java, Indonesia, has climbed to 30 as rescue operations persist, the national disaster mitigation agency reported on Friday (Nov 21). According to the agency, 21 people are still unaccounted for after heavy rains triggered landslides in Cilacap last week and in Banjarnegara over the weekend. In Banjarnegara, the worst-hit region, rescuers recovered seven additional bodies on Thursday, raising the number of confirmed deaths there to 10, with 18 people still missing, spokesperson Abdul Muhari said.

Dozens of homes were destroyed, seven people were injured, and over 900 residents had to be evacuated, Muhari added. Around 700 rescuers, including military and police personnel, are using excavators to accelerate the search for survivors. He noted that efforts are being hampered by debris-filled landslide ponds and continuous water flow, as well as the risk of further landslides due to ongoing rainfall.

In Cilacap, four more bodies were discovered this week, bringing the total fatalities to 20, while three people remain missing. Search operations there have been extended into next week, and nearly 400 residents have been displaced. Indonesia’s wet season began in September and will last until April, increasing the likelihood of heavy rainfall and flooding in many regions.