Landslides haunt 516 villagers

PURWAKARTA, West Java: At least 516 people at Pasiripis village near the West Java city of Purwakarta are threatened by possible landslides after torrential rains fell for two consecutive days.

Landslides have already buried and destroyed three houses.

Village officials are on full alert and residents have been told to prepare for immediate evacuate if it is deemed necessary.

The landslides which destroyed two houses on Saturday occurred at night amidst a long torrential downpour. Fortunately no one was hurt.

"Thank God the occupants in the three houses all survived," said village chief Udung as quoted by Antara.

Villagers at the village have expressed concern that they find it difficult to get emergency assistance when needed.

Although the village is only seven kilometers away from Purwakarta, Pasiripis is a naturally remote village as it is surrounded by various natural hurdles.