(Manokwari, 18th) The National Search and Rescue Agency of Indonesia (Basarnas) Manokwari branch is searching for 19 residents who went missing due to a landslide and flash floods. The disaster occurred in the Catubouw district, Arfak Mountains, West Papua.
Manokwari Search and Rescue Chief, Yefri Sabarudin, stated in a Sunday announcement that the flash floods and landslide happened on May 16, 2025, around 9 PM Eastern Indonesia time (8 PM Malaysia time).
In this disaster, 24 victims have been recorded, including 19 people missing, 4 survivors, and 1 confirmed deceased.
“The missing residents may have been swept away by the floodwaters or buried under mud. The search and rescue team continues their efforts,” Yefri stated.
Reportedly, information on the disaster came from the Head of Criminal Investigation at the Arfak Mountains Police Department, Officer Dwi Marianto, who reported the situation on May 17, 2025, at 6:45 PM.
Led by Reza Afrianto, the Deputy Chief of Operations and Vigilance at the Manokwari Search and Rescue Agency, the rescue team embarked for the disaster area at 7:05 PM and arrived at the scene on May 18 at 2 AM.
Yefri noted that the ongoing rescue operation is coordinated with military and police forces, expanding the area of geographical assessment to conduct more effective search and rescue efforts.
The joint rescue team has coordinated with the Arfak Mountains District Government to expedite the search and evacuation of victims, while also safeguarding against potential secondary disasters.
“Due to the vast and complex terrain of the affected area, the number of fatalities is expected to increase,” Yefri added.
Manokwari Search and Rescue Chief, Yefri Sabarudin, stated in a Sunday announcement that the flash floods and landslide happened on May 16, 2025, around 9 PM Eastern Indonesia time (8 PM Malaysia time).
In this disaster, 24 victims have been recorded, including 19 people missing, 4 survivors, and 1 confirmed deceased.
“The missing residents may have been swept away by the floodwaters or buried under mud. The search and rescue team continues their efforts,” Yefri stated.
Reportedly, information on the disaster came from the Head of Criminal Investigation at the Arfak Mountains Police Department, Officer Dwi Marianto, who reported the situation on May 17, 2025, at 6:45 PM.
Led by Reza Afrianto, the Deputy Chief of Operations and Vigilance at the Manokwari Search and Rescue Agency, the rescue team embarked for the disaster area at 7:05 PM and arrived at the scene on May 18 at 2 AM.
Yefri noted that the ongoing rescue operation is coordinated with military and police forces, expanding the area of geographical assessment to conduct more effective search and rescue efforts.
The joint rescue team has coordinated with the Arfak Mountains District Government to expedite the search and evacuation of victims, while also safeguarding against potential secondary disasters.
“Due to the vast and complex terrain of the affected area, the number of fatalities is expected to increase,” Yefri added.