Mitigation Agency Warns of Landslide in Western Java

Jakarta (Antara) - Several agencies in western Java have warned the public to remain vigilant for landslides in hilly areas, such as in Puncak of Bogor District, West Java Province and Lebak District of Banten Province. Further, the Bogor Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency warned those visiting the Puncak tourism area in Bogor District to be on alert for landslides during the New Year holiday. "The people and passing vehicles that cross Puncak should be very careful," Emergency Chief of Bogor Disaster Mitigation Agency Budi Aksomo said here on Saturday. The agency noted that a landslide occurred on Puncak Highway on Friday afternoon and covered half of the road, as well as tore down a tree. Budi added there were no casualties or injuries. A landslide caused by heavy rains also occurred in Caringin Hamlet in the Puncak area, Bogor District on Friday afternoon, burying one person. "The victim was found by a search and rescue team, which was assisted by local people. The victim has been brought to a relative¿s residence in Caringin," Budi said. The agency, says Budi, has prepared a Quick Response Team in each location that is prone to landslides, including in Puncak area. Additionally, the Lebak Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency warned people who live in hilly and mountainous areas to be on the lookout for landslides. "We are always warning people who live in hilly and mountainous areas to be careful of landslide threats after a hike in rain intensity," the Daily Chief of Lebak Disaster Mitigation Agency Kaprawi told Antara. The Banten Geophysics, Climate and Meteorology Agency reported that rains in Lebak District will increase for the next week. The report stated that heavy rains are expected daily for 3 to 4.5 hours. Kaprawi said thousands of families live in areas which are prone to landslides. "We have instructed officers in village and some volunteers to be ready to help in evacuating landslide victims," the Chief said. There are 42 villages in Lebak District which are prone to landslides, located in a number of sub-districts, including Banjarsari, Rangkasbitung, Cileles, Bayah, Cikulur, Cimarga, Sobang, Cibeber, Cilograng, and Sajira. Rains fell in the area from 05:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. On Wednesday (Dec 17), President Joko Widodo ordered the installation of landslide early warning systems in frequently-affected areas to prevent casualties from occurring. The government is also planning to conduct landslide drills for people living in landslide-prone areas, including the southern part of West Java and the central and southern sections of Central Java. (*)