Village declared unsafe

PADANG, West Sumatra: A village in the Malintang Valley on the border with the North Sumatra province has been declared unsafe and all its inhabitants will be moved out.

Pasaman Regent Taufik Martha said the decision to close the Simpang Lalo village came following the latest flood, which sent virtually everyone fleeing their homes. Some were even forced to flee to the jungles because of the rising water, reported Antara.

The area is no longer fit for habitation, Taufik said.

The government is now looking for an alternative site for the 120 families affected by the decision, he added. (emb)