Boyolali, Indonesia—A local resident was killed on July 7 when a landslide swept through a settlement on the lower slopes of Mount Merapi. The disaster followed two days of relentless rainfall that saturated the volcanic soil. Search crews recovered the victim’s body trapped under earth and debris this afternoon.

The collapse occurred just after noon while the victim was working near a small stream. Neighbors heard a low roar before the side of the slope gave way, burying the area in mud and rock. Local authorities rushed to the scene to prevent secondary collapses.

The Central Java Disaster Management Agency warned that the area remains highly unstable. Heavy machinery is being used to clear the main access road, but progress is slow due to the constant threat of further slides. Many residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes as a precaution.

Local villagers are helping to clear the wreckage, using hand tools and shovels to probe the mud. The sheer volume of material that slid down the mountain has destroyed several small farms and livestock enclosures. It will take days to restore basic access to the higher slopes.

Experts note that deforestation and the saturation of volcanic material have made the area increasingly susceptible to slides. The government has long suggested moving these communities, but resistance remains high among those who rely on the fertile soil for their livelihood.

The victim was a long-time resident known for working the land near the volcano’s base. Officials are coordinating with the family to handle funeral arrangements. This is the third slide in the region this month, raising questions about current mitigation efforts.

Emergency teams are conducting a full assessment of the mountain’s structural integrity. Geologists have arrived on-site to monitor seismic movements that could trigger further collapses. The village is now under a strict exclusion order until the earth settles.

Efforts to secure the area continue as rain persists throughout the valley. The agency has set up a temporary shelter for those whose homes are no longer safe to occupy. No further injuries have been reported, but the danger of the mountain remains acute.