Landslide damages 26 houses

WONOSOBO, Central Java: At least 26 houses were damaged when landslides hit a housing complex in the village of Suroyudan, Sukoharjo district, here on Wednesday.

About two hectares of farmland were also devastated as some of the land subsided by half a meter.

Nine families, whose houses were totally damaged, were now staying at the houses of relatives.

Local residents feared more landslides and flooding as heavy rains continued. They urged the village head to temporarily give the families shelter.

However, Wonosobo regent Trimawan Nugrohadi, who visited the location, asked people to remain calm.

The regent handed over Rp 500,000 to each family whose house was destroyed. He also allocated Rp 6.5 million to rebuild the housing complex.-- JP