Aftershocks Threaten Banjarnegara, Residents and Search Teams Urged to Be Vigilant

BANDUNG, KOMPAS - Aftershocks in the vicinity of the disaster site in Situkung Hamlet, Pandanarum Village, Pandanarum District, Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java, are potentially imminent. Residents living nearby are urged to remain vigilant or even evacuate. The search for victims is also advised not to be conducted during and shortly after rainfall.

"To minimize the impact, it is advisable to install disaster-prone signs around the landslide area," said the Head of the Geological Agency Muhammad Wafid in Bandung, Tuesday (18/11/2025).

Wafid stated that the community around the disaster-affected area should evacuate immediately. The reason is that aftershocks are still likely to occur in that location.

"The impact could be greater on residents living near steep slopes, especially during or after prolonged heavy rainfall," he said.

In addition to residents, search and rescue workers must also remain vigilant. They must pay attention to weather conditions while on duty.

"Searches should not be conducted during or immediately after heavy rain. There's still potential for further landslides in that area," he said.

Regarding the causes of the landslide, Wafid stated that the triggers are suspected to be several factors. These include steep slopes with significant height differences and the presence of sliding planes, as well as easily erodible soil.

"In addition, high rainfall, the possibility of seepage below the ground surface, and the existence of slope cutting for settlements or access roads. We will deploy a team to further investigate the vulnerabilities in the area," he stated.

Previously, Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi also urged residents in Situkung Hamlet not to return to their homes as the ground conditions in the area remain unstable. Based on assessments by officials, areas of landslides were found to still have the potential to move.

In addition, Luthfi urged the regents and mayors to strengthen disaster mitigation. "Central Java is a disaster minimarket. There are certain areas that need to be anticipated, such as Batang, Kendal, Wonosobo, Banjarnegara, Brebes, Magelang, and Temanggung. The potential for landslides in those regions is high; early prevention measures must be implemented," he stated.