Landslide destroys houses in Jember

JEMBER, East Java: A landslide triggered by heavy rain occurred in the East Java regency of Jember on Monday evening, destroying at least five houses and damaging 12 others in Arjasa village. No casualties were reported.

The incident forced 48 families to evacuate their homes.

The local government has set up tents and opened a public kitchen for the families.

Arjasa subdistrict head Subandi said the landslide caused estimated loses of Rp 80 million.

He said local authorities were preparing to evacuate residents of the landslide-prone village to safer areas. --Antara