Landslide disrupts traffic

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Incessant rains have caused a landslide that cut a road connecting Lahat regency and Pagar Alam.

A 25 meter section of the road running through the village of Jati in the district of Pulau Pinang, some 300 kilometers southwest of Palembang, was damaged on Dec. 25.

No fatalities were reported but traffic had to be diverted through Kota Agung or Tebing Tinggi and Talang Padang, which is much longer than the usual route.

Lahat Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Budi Setiyadi said that the temporary route was prone to criminal acts.

"I have deployed more personnel to secure the new route," he said, adding that it would take some time to mend the damaged section of the road, which is located in a hilly region. --JP