W. Java has Rp 3b for disasters

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