Exodus routes prone to flood, landslides

SEMARANG: Routes mostly taken during the annual Idul Fitri mass exodus in Central Java region, including along pantura -- the Central Java north coast lane -- and the central and southern parts of the province are considered to be prone to floods and landslides.

Speaking during a meeting held here to prepare for the upcoming Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year holidays, Central Java Governor Mardiyanto said that the areas at risk include Pekalongang, Semarang and Pati on the north coast lane and Banyumas, Kedu and Surakarta on the southern traffic lane.

"We have prepared heavy equipment to anticipate possible landslides in the areas so that once it happens we will be able to move quickly," said Mardiyanto. -- JP