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Disaster agency alerts Java to expect more landslides
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The main road to the Puncak resort area in Bogor, West Java, was closed for 10 days on Feb. 7. The road was closed to clear the area of debris from landslides that were caused by recent heavy rains. (Antara/-)
T
he National Disaster and Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has warned of more landslides and related disasters in areas of West Java, Central Java and East Java.
“February's landslide hazard map shows the highest risk for West Java, Central Java and East Java,” BNPB spokesperson Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said on Thursday.
Bogor, Sukabumi, Cianjur, Bandung, Purwakarta, Kuningan, Garut and Tasikmalaya are among the West Java regions with a high risk of landslides.
In Central Java, the regions with the highest risk of landslides are Banjarnegara, Cilacap, Purwokerto, Purworejo, Pekalongan, Temanggung, Semarang, Karanganyar, Tegal, Wonogiri, Magelang, Purbalingga and Boyolali.
The East Java regions of Ponorogo, Trenggalek, Malang, Pacitan, Mojokerto, Jember and Banyuwangi are also listed on the landslide hazard warning.
“Residents must be more alert to their surroundings. Be even more cautious in heavy downpours. Evacuate to other places if necessary,” said Sutopo.
He also said that people should be aware of several landslide warning signs, such as cracks in the ground, receding soil, the sudden formation of new springs, muddy water in wells and springs, tilting trees and electricity poles, and the sudden appearance of cracks in the walls and foundations of buildings.
“Landslides have the highest number of fatalities. As of January, 19 people have been killed in landslides,” Sutopo said.
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) also announced on Wednesday that the probability of hydrological disasters had increased, as high-intensity rainfall was expected to continue until March. (dmr)
