Bandung landslide no Filipinos affected as the Philippine Embassy in Indonesia confirmed that no Filipino nationals have been reported among the casualties of a deadly landslide that struck Bandung, West Java, bringing relief to the Filipino community as search and rescue operations continue.

In a statement released on Saturday, January 24, the embassy said it had not received any reports of Filipinos being injured, missing, or killed following the disaster, which has so far claimed at least eight lives.

“No Filipino has been reported to be affected by the incident,” the Philippine Embassy said, adding that it remains in close coordination with Indonesian authorities to monitor the situation.

The landslide occurred in the early hours of January 24, around 3:30 a.m. (Manila time), in Ciara district, a mountainous area located far from Bandung’s city center. According to local officials, the incident was triggered by heavy and prolonged rainfall that saturated the soil, causing a massive collapse of earth and debris.

The disaster has affected an estimated 113 families, many of whom were asleep when the landslide struck. While 23 individuals have been reported safe, authorities are still searching for 82 people who remain missing, raising concerns as difficult terrain and unstable weather conditions continue to hamper rescue efforts.

The Philippine Embassy said it is closely monitoring the welfare of Filipinos in the affected areas and expressed hope that ongoing search and rescue operations will lead to the recovery of more survivors.

“The Embassy continues to monitor the situation of Filipinos in the area and hopes that the search and rescue operations of Indonesian authorities will recover more survivors,” the statement read.

Local government units in West Java have placed the affected communities under emergency alert status, urging residents living near slopes and mountainous regions to remain vigilant. Authorities have advised immediate evacuation should weather conditions worsen or if there are signs of further land movement.

Disaster response teams, including police, military units, and volunteer groups, have been deployed to assist in rescue operations. Heavy machinery is being used to clear debris, while rescuers carefully search through mud and rubble in hopes of locating survivors. However, officials have warned that continued rainfall poses risks of secondary landslides, making rescue efforts both urgent and dangerous.

The Philippine Embassy also reminded Filipinos in Indonesia, particularly those in West Java and nearby areas, to stay alert and follow instructions from local authorities. Filipinos who may have information about affected individuals or who require assistance are encouraged to contact the embassy through its WhatsApp hotline at +62 811 887 344.

The embassy emphasized that it remains ready to provide consular assistance if needed and will issue updates should the situation change.

Indonesia is among the countries most prone to landslides due to its mountainous terrain, tropical climate, and frequent heavy rains, especially during the monsoon season. Authorities regularly urge communities in high-risk areas to take precautionary measures, particularly during periods of sustained rainfall.

As rescue operations continue, the Philippine government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of Filipinos abroad, while extending sympathy to the families affected by the tragedy.

The embassy said it will continue coordinating with Indonesian disaster response agencies and provide timely advisories to the Filipino community as developments unfold.