Mom Says It ‘Seems Impossible’ That Her Son Will Be Found Alive After Boarding School Collapse as Death Toll Keeps Rising

**Mom Despairs as Son Remains Missing After Tragic Boarding School Collapse**

The harrowing collapse of a boarding school in Indonesia has left a mother devastated as her son remains missing, amidst a rising death toll and dwindling hopes of finding survivors. The catastrophe struck the Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo on Monday, Sept. 29, shaking the nation with its tragic consequences. While more than 50 young students are yet to be located, the search has unfortunately turned from rescuing to recovering bodies, leaving families in anguish.

The school collapse, located approximately 485 miles east of Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, has seen the death toll steadily climb. With just 105 survivors accounted for, including a 13-year-old boy named Rizalul Qoib, the tragedy has touched the lives of many families. As of Friday, Oct. 3, the number of confirmed fatalities had reached 10, prompting emergency responders to intensify efforts in locating the remaining missing students.

Emergency teams have employed various tools, including thermal drones, in the search for any signs of life beneath the rubble. Despite their tireless work, the transition from rescue to recovery mode has signalled a heartbreaking reality for all involved. Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, leading the National Disaster Management Agency, announced during a press briefing that no signs of life had been detected, prompting a shift towards using heavy equipment for further search and evacuation efforts.

In an emotional account shared with Reuters on Friday, Oct. 3, mother Jayanti Mandasari recounted her last conversation with her son, M. Muhfi Alfian, before the tragic collapse. Experiencing a sense of foreboding after the call, she now faces the stark reality that her beloved son may never be found alive. Her heartbreaking words, “Right now, it seems impossible. Maybe God took him gently,” encapsulate the anguish and uncertainty felt by many families during this tragedy.

Survivor Rizalul Qoib, reflecting on his ordeal with the Associated Press, described the terrifying moment when the building crumbled around him while he was in prayer. Miraculously making his way through the debris towards safety, guided by a voice and light amidst the chaos, his harrowing escape serves as a beacon of hope amid the darkness of the disaster.

The National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) emphasised the critical nature of the rescue operation in a statement on Instagram, highlighting the urgency of every passing moment in the search for victims. With many of the trapped individuals believed to be young boys aged between 12 and 17, the community remains united in prayer and solidarity during this trying time.

As the Indonesian nation grapples with this devastating loss, the courage and resilience of affected families shine through amidst the grief and uncertainty. The unwavering spirit of unity and support displayed in the face of tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the strength found in coming together during times of immense hardship and sorrow.