Landslide prone areas identified

YOGYAKARTA: A team of 40 geologists from Gadjah Mada University have identified on Wednesday five areas prone to landslides -- three in Purworejo regency and two in Kulonprogo regency.

Dwikori Karnawati, the team's coordinator, said in Kokap Kulonprogo district, the areas are Ngasih and Kalibiru villages while in Kaligesing Purworejo district, the areas are the villages of Bandungan, Tegalaren and Kalisat.

She further added that a 50-meter-long crack had been discovered on the hills near Sermo Kulonprogo dam which could cause mud slides in torrential rains, endangering Sermo village located beneath it.

"Therefore the villagers in Sermo village should be quickly evacuated from the area," the geologist said as quoted by Antara.

At least 51 people have been killed in a series of landslides in both regencies in the past few weeks.

"We urge all people and related agencies to be on the alert and take preventive measures before it's too late," Dwikori said.(edt)