In East Java, rescue teams are in a desperate race against the clock. They are trying to find people trapped after an Islamic boarding school building collapsed. At least 59 students and staff are still believed to be buried under the rubble. So far, the tragedy has claimed at least five lives.
Abdul Muhari, who speaks for Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency, explained how they got the number of missing people. They checked lists of everyone inside during Monday afternoon prayers, when the building fell. He noted that this number could change, as some who were thought missing have since appeared safe.
Rescue workers pulled five students from the debris on Wednesday. Their worried parents waited nearby, pleading for faster efforts. This small victory gave a glimmer of hope amid the despair.
Mohammad Safii, head of the National Rescue Unit, said getting to the trapped people is very dangerous. The remaining parts of the building could collapse further from any shaking. Because of this risk, workers must dig very narrow tunnels, only 60 centimeters wide, to reach survivors.
Teams are using special tools like thermal drones and survivor detection devices. They are also sending water and food through tiny cracks to those still trapped below. Reports suggest there are at least seven spots where signs of life have been found, fueling the rescuers’ determination.
Experts say the collapse likely happened because the building was not built properly. They suspect extra floors were added over time without making sure the foundation could handle the weight. This kind of problem is common in the region, where owners often build in stages as money becomes available.
Just a few weeks ago, a prayer hall in West Java also fell down. That incident killed three people and hurt dozens more. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unsafe construction.
Source: channelnewsasia