Massive rockfall blocks Trenggalek-Ponorogo road

The Trenggalek–Ponorogo national road at kilometre 16 remains completely closed due to a landslide triggered by a large rock. Heavy equipment has begun to be deployed to clear access. The Acting Head of the Trenggalek Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Stefanus Triadi Atmono, said that before any treatment, a joint team conducted assessments and mapping of the conditions around the landslide site. “Earlier, Basarnas monitored directly from above the slope and drone surveillance was also conducted. The conditions show several potential follow-up landslides,” Triadi said, quoted by detikJatim, on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. According to him, the soil contour on the slope resembles mud. Moreover, on the eastern side there are potential follow-up landslide points and the material is still held up above. “Then, we found several water drainage channels. These channels could worsen the slope condition if heavy rain occurs because their flow is blocked. If it becomes waterlogged, there is a potential for a follow-up landslide,” he added. To address the landslide, the joint team deployed one heavy equipment unit to remove some smaller rock material. “As for the large rocks, we will break them with a breaker. However, for the breaker operation we will first test its vibration impact to avoid triggering material from above,” Triadi said. He hopes the landslide handling process can proceed smoothly so that traffic in both directions can flow normally again. Read the full story here.