A powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake has further compressed the debris, intensifying the urgency as the critical 72-hour survival window draws to a close.
Published On 1 Oct 2025
Rescue teams have successfully extracted five individuals alive from the ruins of a school-collapse-rescuers-oxygen/” title=”Brave Rescuers Rush Oxygen to Survivors Amid Indonesia … Building Collapse: NPR”>collapsed school in Indonesia, as efforts continue to locate numerous children believed to remain trapped beneath the wreckage two days after the incident.
The multi-level Al-Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, located on Java island, suddenly gave way on Monday during afternoon prayers, catching students off guard.
“Today, we evacuated seven victims in total; five were rescued alive, while two were recovered deceased,” reported Yudhi Bramantyo, operational director of the search and rescue agency, during a press conference. “The survivors were responsive and able to communicate.”
With the recovery of two bodies, the confirmed death toll has risen to five.
According to Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster and Mitigation Agency, school records indicate that approximately 91 individuals may still be buried under the debris.
Families, overwhelmed with grief, are urging authorities to intensify rescue operations.
“We hold onto hope that our children are still alive because we hear their cries for help,” said Abdul Hanan, whose 14-year-old son remains missing, speaking to AFP.
“Time is running out, and every moment counts.”
Dewi Sulistiana, anxiously awaiting news of her 14-year-old son, shared her anguish: “I have been here for days, shedding tears for my child. Why is the search taking so long? Why is progress so slow? I have no updates and can only wait.”
Mohammad Syafii, head of the National Search and Rescue Agency, explained that rescuers have had to tunnel underground to reach the trapped victims. They are deploying thermal imaging drones to detect signs of life and locate the deceased as the crucial 72-hour “golden window” for survival approaches its conclusion.
Earthquake further complicates rescue efforts
Adding to the challenge, a 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck on Wednesday near Sumenep, roughly 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the school, causing additional damage and tightening the debris, which restricts access for rescuers. The quake injured three people and damaged numerous homes, officials reported.
“Where there was once a 50-centimeter (20-inch) gap, it has now shrunk to just 10 centimeters (four inches), severely limiting space for the victims,” Syafii noted.
Rescue official Emi Freezer from the National Search and Rescue Agency confirmed that signs of life have been detected in seven distinct locations. Supplies of water and food are being delivered, though access remains limited to a single entry point.
“The building’s main framework has completely collapsed,” he added.
Concerns about construction quality persist in Indonesia, where it is common for buildings to be left unfinished, allowing owners to add floors later as finances allow, raising questions about structural safety.
Earlier this month, a similar tragedy occurred in West Java province when a building hosting a religious gathering collapsed, resulting in at least three fatalities and numerous injuries.
