Building Collapse Triggers Emergency Response in Indonesia's East Java Province

Indonesia: Dozens Trapped in School Building Collapse At least one person has died and dozens are feared trapped after an Islamic boarding school building collapsed in Indonesia's East Java province on Monday afternoon. The disaster mitigation agency reported that over 100 people, mostly children, have been rescued from the debris of the Al Khoziny school. According to officials, the building collapsed under the weight of the fourth floor, which was being constructed without authorization. Provincial police spokesperson Jules Abraham Abast stated that the expansion had not been approved, leading to the tragic incident. "We were conducting afternoon prayers when the building suddenly collapsed," said Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the school. "Building materials fell on dozens of students and workers, causing chaos and destruction." Rescue officials are providing oxygen and water to those trapped under the rubble. However, the exact number of missing individuals remains unclear, with reports varying between 38 and 65. The Al Khoziny school is a well-known Islamic boarding school in East Java, catering to hundreds of students from across Indonesia. The school's expansion plans had been underway for several months, but it appears that the construction was not carried out in accordance with local building codes. "This incident highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement in the construction industry," said Dr. Siti Nurhaliza, a leading expert on disaster management in Indonesia. "The lack of oversight and compliance can have devastating consequences, as we've seen today." Rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams from various agencies working tirelessly to locate those trapped under the rubble. The incident has sparked widespread concern and outrage among locals, who are demanding answers about the school's expansion plans. As rescue operations continue, officials are urging caution and patience, warning that the death toll may rise as more bodies are discovered. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering to building codes in Indonesia's rapidly developing construction industry. Background: The Al Khoziny school has been operating since 2005, catering to students from across Indonesia. The school's expansion plans were approved by local authorities in 2022, but it appears that the construction was not carried out in accordance with local building codes. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Siti Nurhaliza, a leading expert on disaster management in Indonesia, noted that the incident highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement in the construction industry. "The lack of oversight and compliance can have devastating consequences, as we've seen today," she said. Local residents expressed outrage and concern over the incident, demanding answers about the school's expansion plans. "We want to know why this happened and who is responsible," said one resident. Current Status: Rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams from various agencies working tirelessly to locate those trapped under the rubble. The death toll remains at least one, but officials fear it may rise as more bodies are discovered. *Reporting by Dw.*