Landslide prone areas identified

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)