Indonesia School Collapse Death Toll Surges to 50 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Indonesia: School Collapse Death Toll Climbs to at Least 50 Rescue officials confirmed on Monday that the death toll from the collapse of a school building in Indonesia has risen to at least 50, with 13 more people still missing. The disaster occurred last week when part of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in East Java's Sidoarjo town caved in on students gathered for afternoon prayers. The search and rescue agency used excavators to clear 80% of the debris, retrieving bodies and body parts from the rubble. Rescuers found five more body parts on Sunday, suggesting a higher death toll than initially reported. "The number of victims is the biggest this year from one building," said Budi Irawan, deputy at the disaster mitigation agency. Timeline: Last week: School building collapses in East Java's Sidoarjo town Monday: Death toll rises to at least 50, with 13 more missing Immediate Impact and Response: The search for survivors continues, with rescue teams working around the clock to clear the remaining debris. The Indonesian government has deployed additional resources to support the relief efforts. Background Context: Indonesia is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes and landslides. This incident highlights the need for robust building codes and emergency preparedness measures in the country. What Happens Next: As the search for missing people continues, authorities will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and infrastructure development in disaster-prone regions. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Dw reporting.*