Landslides block transportation

Landslides block transportation

MANADO, North Sulawesi: Land transportation between Minahasa regency and other areas has been disconnected following the heavy downpour Sunday night which caused landslides and damaged a bridge.

The disaster has killed six people and submerged tens of houses.

The head of the Public Works Office, Heibert Tarore, told Antara that a landslide blocked the road at Pakeru village, 65 kilometers south of here, and damaged a bridge at Mokupa village.

Other landslides also obstructed an important road connecting Manado and Tomohon at 25 locations.

In the northern part of Minahasa, landslides blocked the road between Manado and Likupang at Paslaten village.

"With the help of the local people we have cleared the roads of masses of earth, so that transportation is back to normal," he said.

He added that the damaged bridge, which blocked the trans- Sulawesi transportation, is being replaced by a 'Bailey' model of bridge. (16)