Four Killed in Central Java's Landslides

Kebumen, Central Java (Antara) - Landslides hit the Kaligending Village in Karangsambung, Kebumen District, on Friday, killing four residents and causing serious damage to two houses. "The landslides took place at 5 a.m. on Friday. They were triggered by incessant, heavy rains that lashed the village since Thursday night," stated Muhyidin of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency here on Friday. He informed that the four victims were Rusmini (38), Sulastri (26), Dewi Pamungkas (11), and Safana Indah Aprilia (eight months). One victim named Fendi Trianto is receiving medical treatment at the Kebumen Regional Hospital. "The landslides struck and knocked down the walls of the houses, thereby causing the roofs to collapse on the residents asleep in the rooms," he said. After receiving the report, Kebumen District Head Winarso directly visited the landslide locations. Muhyiddin stated that the evacuation of the victims was carried out by military personnel, police officers, and local people. "At 8.30 a.m. rescuers succeeded in evacuating the victims," the district head added. (*)