2,100 trees in Jakarta prone to falling, agency warns

Following many instances of falling trees due to strong winds on Thursday, the Jakarta administration has warned that around 2,100 trees in the city could collapse under the pressures of harsh weather.

Referring to a 2011 study, Parks and Cemetery Agency head Catharina Suryowati said that three percent of around 70,000 trees in Jakarta were vulnerable to strong winds due to old age.

However, Catharina said that the statistics did not accurately account for the chances of trees being brought down by storms in the city.

“Healthy trees can also topple, so don’t only consider the older trees,” she said Friday as quoted by tribunnews.com

She admitted, however, that older trees did need special care and therefore promised that her agency would carry out monthly observations of the older trees.

The agency would also perform a routine trim of lush trees so that they would not disturb road users.

Strong winds and heavy rain in Jakarta on Thursday brought down around 87 trees and damaged 82 others, including a tamarind tree at the Presidential Palace, which had been planted by the President in July 2010. (awd)