Bad weather halts search operation

Bad weather halts search operation

BREBES, Central Java (JP): The search operation for the
remaining 24 people believed to be still trapped under last
Wednesday night's landslide was halted on Monday due to bad
weather and after consulting with the families of those missing.

The search and rescue team, consisting of police and army
officers and local residents, said bad weather was the main
constraint in the operation.

Governor Mardiyanto confirmed on Monday in Semarang that the
search operation had to be halted.

"We don't object to continuing the operation. But heavy
downpours makes it difficult to go on. There's only a small
possibility of us uncovering more bodies in such unfriendly
weather," he told The Jakarta Post.

"The relatives of the victims and all the Windu Sakti
villagers have accepted their fate with patience," Mardiyanto
said.

With the cessation of search operations, the remaining unfound
villagers were officially declared dead.

The last body found by rescuers was that of Surwanto, 30, on
Sunday.

"Now that the search has stopped, we will start concentrating
on repairing the roads as soon as possible so residents will not
be isolated. We have to find a safer place for those whose homes
were crushed by the landslide," the governor said.

According to Mardiyanto, villagers have expressed their
willingness to relocate to safer areas or possibly to
transmigration sites.

"We must find a new place first. We will set aside a total of
Rp 112 million to help villagers build new houses in the new
area. Other aid from individuals and private institutions is
expected," he said.

Some 600 Windu Sakti villagers are now staying in neighboring
villages, including Capar, Windu Asri, Tembong Raja and
Indrajaya.

Meanwhile, Brebes regent Tajuddin Nuraly said food and
medicine supplies for the refugees was sufficient.

"We are trying to keep them healthy," Tajuddin said. (jar/sur)