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Hard-hit Sukajaya district needs ‘massive reforestation’ after floods, landslides
More than 4,000 Sukajaya residents have been displaced and more than 400 houses heavily damaged by floods and landslides, which also claimed at least six lives in the district.
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Residents walk by ruined houses damaged by flooding and landslides in Sukamaju hamlet, one of 11 hamlets in Sukajaya district most hard-hit by the disaster. More than 4,000 Sukajaya residents have been displaced and more than 400 houses heavily damaged by floods and landslides, which also claimed at least six lives in the district. (TribunnewsBogor.com/Naufal Fauz)
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s one of the areas most hard-hit by flooding and landslides caused by heavy rain on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Sukajaya district in Bogor regency, West Java, requires short-term fixes and long-term rehabilitation to repair the damage.
Heavy rains that lasted from Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning caused the Cidurian River to overflow, triggering landslides in at least seven different spots in Sukajaya district.
More than 4,000 Sukajaya residents have been displaced and more than 400 houses heavily damaged by floods and landslides, which also claimed at least six lives in the district.
“From what I see, Sukajaya district has suffered very heavy damage, although it’s not as bad as Lebak, Banten, and [the damage] will need long-term resolution,” Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy said on Saturday while on a visit to the area. “There needs to be massive reforestation, particularly hard plants that have strong roots that can hold back landslides and absorb water.”
Muhadjir said that residents might even have to relocate, as it may be impossible to prevent landslides in certain areas.
“[Landslides] are a big national problem […] and from what I see landslides are caused by our haphazard use of land,” he said. “This is very heavy damage, I hope that the Bogor regency administration will handle this area seriously.”
Muhadjir and National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) head Doni Monardo also gave Rp 500 million (US$35,871) in ready-to-use funds to Bogor deputy regent Iwan Setiawan for restoration.
