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South Sulawesi historical site closed after nine killed in storm
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Officials from Sukmajaya Police and Fire and Rescue Agency in Depok, West Java, work to cut up a tree that had fallen upon a restaurant on April 1, 2019. (kompas.com/Cynthia Lova)
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uthorities have temporarily closed the historical site and protected forest area of Bulu Matanre in Soppeng regency, South Sulawesi, after nine people were killed by a fallen tree during a thunderstorm on Sunday.
Shahrani, the Soppeng Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) chief, said on Monday that the area was temporarily closed for a few days to allow for the removal of fallen trees and the repair of damaged buildings.
“Moving forward, we ask the public to be more cautious and to anticipate similar incidents," Shahrani said as quoted by kompas.id.
A big tree fell in Bulu Matanre during heavy rain on Sunday afternoon, hitting nearby buildings and visitors.
The incident also left 18 others injured. Of these, 15 were treated at hospitals in Soppeng, two in Barru Regency, and one was referred to Makassar. Of the 15 treated in Soppeng, 13 have been discharged and returned home.
Akbar Sirajid, a BPBD Soppeng official, said the fallen tree was located near an old cemetery, which is often visited by locals for social gatherings. There was a wedding ceremony when the incident occurred, according to Akbar.
"In the future, people need to be cautious not only of falling trees, but also landslides in Bulu Matanre. The area is prone to such hazards because of its hilly terrain," said Akbar.
