More landslides feared in Gowa

Andi Hajramurni, Makassar, South Sulawesi

Fears of more landslides in the Gowa regency in South Sulawesi materialized late Sunday and Monday as similar, though less severe, incidents ruined a bridge and therefore isolated a village. No casualties were reported, while residents' search for at least 31 people thought to be buried alive in Friday's disaster yielded no results.

Residents had been evacuated ahead of three landslides in the Tinggimoncong district, which occurred on Sunday around 6 p.m. and 11:40 p.m., and on Monday at noon.

Although residents said they heard another explosion on Monday officials and experts here have ruled out speculation of an eruption of Mount Bawakaraeng, the origin of the landslide.

Head of the geological disaster unit under the Ministry of Mining and Energy, Surono, said the mountain last erupted in the 1800s and was since declared dormant. South Sulawesi has several dormant volcanoes, and Bawakaraeng is a favorite of mountain climbers.

"The mountain itself is prone to landslides," as it comprises unstable volcanic soil, Surono said, made worse by days of rain and heat, and a fault lying at the location of Friday's landslide.

Surono confirmed earlier observations that the steep 50 degree slopes with hardly any vegetation in a number of locations, increased the possibility of landslides.

Forest fires had occurred in 1996, 2001 and 2002, destroying a total 700 hectares, according to Umar Wahyu, the head of Gowa's forestry office. Over 300 hectares of a forest rehabilitation project which began in 1990 were destroyed in Friday's landslide.

Even more landslides, including worse ones, could occur, said Umar, a geologist. Umar urged that residential or cultivation areas should no longer occupy the foot of the mountain, which should only be used for conservation purposes.

"We need a solution, not merely rice or noodles for victims," he said. "We must decide what the area will be used for."

The government has delivered aid worth Rp 500 million (about US$58.14 million) for refugees, which number about 5,500 people.

Bamboo trees will soon be planted to help prevent further landslides, Umar said. This would also prevent mud and debris from flowing into the nearby dam which supplies water for residents and cultivation plots for the Gowa regency and Makassar, the provincial capital which is some 11 kilometers away.