Govt to relocate hundred of families under landslide threat

The administration of Agam regency in West Sumatra is making preparations to relocate around 860 families in Tanjung Sani village, who are facing the threat of landslide from a crumbling cliff near the village.

The village is located on the coast of Maninjau Lake, close to a high cliff through which several tributaries run.

Ever since the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that hit the province last month, parts of the cliff have been crumbling, forcing a number of families to move.

Agam Regent Aristo Munandar said the administration was still looking for a better way to relocate the villagers, whose livelihoods depend on the lake resources.

“We are still discussing [the matter] in the local customary way. We are looking to see if they still have traditional land located in safer locations,” he said.

The regency is also working to relocate 663 families in Malalak district because of similar circumstances.