Eight killed in Salatiga landslide

SALATIGA, Central Java: Eight people were feared dead as they were buried alive while nine others were injured following a landslide in Gemawang village, Jambu district, Salatiga.

The landslide occurred after heavy downpours in the area Wednesday afternoon, leaving three houses buried.

The eight victims, reportedly occupants of the three houses, identified as Sriyanti, 25, Ambarawati, 4, Mundayanah, 18, Nasirun, 30, Nurodin, 21, Makmun, 8, Muntohir, 13 and Mundarti, 11.

"The accident happened as dozens of villagers tried to set up a small dam to retain water flowing from a hill.

"Suddenly the hill collapsed and fell on to the houses and the people beneath," Salatiga Police Chief Lt. Col. Beno Kilapong said.

As of Thursday afternoon, the officers along with other rescuers were trying to save the victims from the mud, but failed to evacuate them as the land was still moving and unstable. (har/edt)