W. Java has Rp 3b for disasters

BANDUNG, West Java: The West Java provincial administration has allocated Rp 3 billion (US$300,000) in anticipation of possible landslides and floods during the rainy season.

"The provincial administration has been on alert in preparation for possible disasters in the province in areas prone to landslide and flood as they hit several areas last year," West Java Deputy Governor Elyadi Agrahardja said here on Tuesday.

He said the contingency funds had been allocated after learning from the province's experience in handling disasters over the last few years.

"Over the last two years, the provincial administration allocated only a small amount of money to deal with disasters and their victims," he added.

At least 94 villages in 17 subdistricts in the province are prone to landslides, while 46 other villages in Bandung regency are susceptible to flooding.

Most landslides that occurred in the province over the last three years were caused by the widespread environmental damage done to protected forests in the province. --Antara