Landslides a threat in Lombok

Landslides a threat in Lombok

LOMBOK, West Nusa Tenggara: Hundreds of houses in Pemenang
district, West Lombok regency, are in danger of being destroyed
by landslides, an official said on Tuesday.

The villages of Manggala and Kerujuk have been declared the
areas most in danger.

Pemenang district head M. Sayuti said residents were afraid of
a repeat of the landslides that occurred during last year's rainy
season, which killed dozens of head of cattle and damaged scores
of houses.

"Manggala is the most vulnerable to landslides. There are some
200 houses located close to sloping hills," Sayuti said, adding
that residents had become increasingly worried about landslides
following the recent incessant rains in the area.

The district government has constructed a canal to reduce the
threat of landslides, he said.

A local community leader, Amaq Han, said it would be better if
the government provided shelters to prepare for the worst. -- JP