Most regencies in E. Java prone in danger zone

Wed, 11/25/2009 2:12 PM  |  East Java

SURABAYA: The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center says 28 of the East Java's 38 regencies and municipalities are prone to landslides, and some are also prone to flash floods.

East Java Disaster Handling Agency logistics and emergency division chief Syahrul Arifin said the landslides and flash floods were a result of imbalances in the environment. "Apart from being in elevated regions, there is also a lack of strengthening trees, because many of the areas are used to grow cassava and beans," Syahrul said.

Regions stretching from Pacitan to Banyuwangi are categorized as red zones on the agency's disaster index - meaning they rarely experience disasters but when they do have one it is large.

"Unfortunately, despite most of the regions being categorized as disaster prone, 90 percent of the population is unprepared for disasters," he said. - JP

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