Eight killed in Salatiga landslide

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)