"An option for most areas prone to landslides is relocation," Minister Khofifah said.Ponorogo, E Java (ANTARA News) - Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa has suggested relocation of victims of a landslide that hit Ponorogo District, East Java Province, on Saturday morning.
"An option for most areas prone to landslides is relocation," Minister Khofifah said when visiting victims of the landslide in Wagir Kidul, Pulung Sub-district, here, Sunday.
To support the relocation plan, the district administration must allocate a plot of land, she said, adding that relevant ministries will build houses for the victims, and the Social Affairs Ministry will provide furniture and other equipment, as well as social allowances.
She said environmental degradation could trigger landslides, therefore, tree planting activities in arid areas should be intensified.
Incessant downpour since Friday evening triggered the landslide which occurred in Banaran village, Pulung Sub-district, Ponorogo District, on Saturday at around 6 a.m. local time.
The landslide hit when most of the people were harvesting ginger in the fields and other were still in their houses.
The landslide buried 32 homes and displaced over 200 villagers. Three survivors were found on Saturday.
Rescues resumed the search efforts on Sunday morning and found two bodies. The number of missing people is still 26.
The landslide injured 17 people, who are now being treated at a local health center.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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