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)