inp.polri.go.id - East Manggarai. The Indonesian National Police (INP) demonstrated their concern and preparedness in handling natural disasters in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
The Mobile Brigade Unit of the NTT Regional Police deployed a SAR (Search and Rescue) team to assist in the search for landslide victims in Goreng Meni Village, Lamba Leda District, East Manggarai Regency, on Friday (1/23/2026).
The 13-person SAR team from the NTT Regional Police, led by First Police Inspector Soleman Welem Talo, moved to the location that morning after receiving reports of people getting buried by the landslide caused by prolonged heavy rain.
The Commander of the NTT Regional Police Mobile Brigade Unit, Senior Superintendent Afrizal Asri, stated that this deployment of personnel represents their immediate response to humanitarian missions, particularly in disaster-prone areas.
"The NTT Regional Police Mobile Brigade is here to assist the community. Our main focus is searching for two victims suspected of being buried under the landslide, as well as ensuring the safety of residents and personnel in the field," said Afrizal Asri.
Upon arrival at the location, the team immediately joined forces with the Regional Government, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the East Manggarai Sub-regional Police, the Indonesian National Military (TNI), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and the local community.
Prior to the search, a coordination meeting was held with the Deputy Regent of East Manggarai to determine the search strategy and equipment requirements.
However, the search for victims faced several obstacles, including heavy rain accompanied by thick fog, difficult terrain, limited heavy equipment, and power and internet outages at the disaster site. For the safety of all, the search for victims was temporarily suspended and planned to resume the following day after heavy equipment arrived at the location.
In the landslide, a person by the name of Albina Ria (54), was declared dead, while the search for two other victims is ongoing. Some people of Tuwa Village have also been evacuated due to the area's isolation and risk of further landslides.
The NTT Regional Police Mobile Brigade Search and Rescue (SAR) Team remains on standby at the location to continue the search for victims as soon as conditions permit. All personnel are reported to be in good health and ready to carry out humanitarian duties for the safety of the community.
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