Rescue operations in Indonesia's Sidoarjo town have turned into a race against time following the collapse of a two-storey Islamic boarding school, which occurred while about 200 students were inside. With at least five confirmed dead and 59 individuals still unaccounted for, hopes for finding survivors are dwindling.
Witnesses report that chaotic circumstances followed the incident, with families hurriedly gathering as the school crumbled not long after they were informed of the incident. Rescuers, faced with an unstable structure, have encountered considerable challenges, but thirteen individuals have successfully been pulled from the wreckage. However, two of those later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
Authorities have employed thermal drones to search for any signs of life, yet reports from the national disaster mitigation agency indicate no thermal signals were found beneath the debris. Rescue chief Lt General Suharyanto expressed frustration at the lack of progress during a press conference, stating that next steps involve heavy machinery to move the concrete slabs and expedite the search.
This collapse comes amid reports that the school's management had not secured proper permits to increase its height, contributing to fears surrounding the building's structural integrity. According to assessments, the addition of two extra floors rendered the foundation unable to support the weight, leading to the catastrophic event.
Families remain on-site, bracing for updates on their missing loved ones, with many expressing hope. Maulana Bayu Rizky Pratama, whose brother is missing, conveyed, 'I am hoping for the best news, that my brother survives.' The emotional toll of this tragedy extends beyond the immediate victims, affecting the entire community that now rallies for support in the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.
As rescue operations continue, the government's focus is shifting towards rectifying the oversight on building regulations in hopes of avoiding future disasters.
