Indonesia school collapse: Rescuers say no signs of life detected under rubble

Key Concepts

• School collapse in East Java, Indonesia
• Search and rescue transitioning to recovery phase
• "Golden time" (72-hour survival window)
• Use of heavy machinery for debris removal
• Family support and DNA collection for identification
• Islamic burial rights

School Collapse and Initial Rescue Efforts

A school collapsed in the Indonesian province of East Java, specifically in the town of Siduanjo. The school was an Islamic school. The collapse trapped over 100 people, primarily male students aged 12 to 18. Initial rescue efforts focused on extracting survivors. 103 survivors were pulled from the rubble. Five people have been confirmed dead and 59 have yet to be recovered.

Transition to Recovery Phase

Rescue operations have transitioned from search and rescue to a recovery phase. This decision was made in consensus with rescuers and families, based on the lack of detected signs of life. The "golden time," the 72-hour period considered the maximum chance of survival, was a key factor in this decision. The recovery phase began ahead of the initially planned expiry of the golden time.

Use of Heavy Machinery

The recovery phase involves the use of heavy machinery, such as cranes, to move concrete. Authorities initially hesitated to use heavy machinery due to concerns about further destabilizing the structure and causing more deaths. The decision to use heavy machinery indicates that authorities believe there is no longer any hope of finding survivors.

Family Reactions and Support

Families reacted with intense emotion to the news, including screaming and crying. Support is being offered to the families at the rescue command center. Families provided DNA samples to aid in the identification of bodies.

Requests for Body Retrieval

Some family members are trying to persuade officials to continue operations, not for rescue, but to retrieve bodies for immediate burial rites. These families want to perform the necessary Islamic burial rites for their deceased children. Other parents have accepted the decision and support the consensus.

Command Center Operations

The rescue command center is monitoring a live feed of the operations at the collapse site. Families are gathered at the center, hoping for any information about their missing children. Operations have been halted for the night and will continue the next day.

Notable Quotes

• Chief of the humanitarian a disaster mitigation agency on the reaction of the parents: "They screamed. They cried."

Synthesis/Conclusion

The school collapse in East Java resulted in a shift from search and rescue to a recovery phase due to the lack of signs of life and the passing of the critical 72-hour "golden time." The use of heavy machinery signals the end of hope for survivors. Families are receiving support, including DNA collection for identification, while grappling with grief and seeking the retrieval of bodies for burial rites.