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Geological agency recommends vehicle limit on Cipularang toll road following landslides
Six houses were damaged by a landslide last week in Hegarmanah village, West Bandung, at about the highway’s 118 kilometer mark.
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Authorities operate heavy machinery at the site of heavy landslides in West Bandung regency, West Java on Monday, near the Cipularang toll road's 118 kilometer mark. (Antara/M Agung Rajasa)
The Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG) is urging the government to set a limit on the number of vehicles allowed to drive on the Cikampek-Purwakarta-Padalarang (Cipularang) toll road, following heavy landslides that have occurred in the surrounding area.
PVMBG head Kasbani made the recommendation after his team conducted a study in the area, also taking into consideration the heavy rain that has continued to pour down on the region.
“[We recommend limiting the number of vehicles] to avoid further, bigger landslides and possible deaths,” Kasbani said in a statement on Monday.
Six houses were damaged by a landslide last week in Hegarmanah village, West Bandung, at about the highway’s 118 kilometer mark.
Kasbani recommended that authorities work to dry up the large pools of water on the north and south sides of the toll road.
“[We also suggested] repairing and creating a waterproof drainage system that follows the water flow from the rice field area located in the north to the housing complex in the south,” Kasbani said.
The PVMBG team also advised that a geological investigation be conducted to protect the valley using vegetation or engineering modifications.
“[We should also] watch out for cracks, leaks, newly formed bumps in the valley, new water springs and rockfalls, as well as other early signs of landslides,” Kasbani said.
Separately, Pratomo Bimawan Putra, the general manager of the Purbaleunyi branch of state toll road operator PT Jasa Marga, said the highway remained safe for travel despite being only seven meters away from the center of the landslide.
“Jasa Marga will undertake temporary safety measures by putting up wooden planks and sandbags around the area, dispatching officers to monitor the surrounding area and cleaning out the drainage,” Bima said, adding that the company would also put up warning signs and coordinate with the police to manage traffic. (dpk)
