Bandung, West Java (ANTARA) - The Sumedang landslide that resulted in 21 deaths and left 19 others missing has drawn the attention of President Joko Widodo, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimoeljono stated.

"Observing the evacuation process and as 19 are still missing and 21 died, the president is paying attention to these matters. I have been urged to come here," the minister remarked while visiting the location of the landslide in Sumedang District, West Java, on Thursday.

The minister will offer heavy equipment required to look for missing victims buried under the landslide debris. However, the deployment of heavy equipment would be a challenging task since the road leading up to the landslide location is quite narrow.

Related news: Sumedang landslide death toll reaches 16: SAR agency

The landslide resulted in the displacement of some 200 families, who were evacuated to safer places and would later be relocated to another area, as their current residential area is prone to natural disasters, such as landslides and flooding.

"In principle, the PUPR will offer help. The local government will provide the land for the relocation of (those displaced families)," the minister remarked.

The landslide hit Cihanjuang Village, Cimanggung Sub-district, Sumedang District, West Java, on January 9, 2021. Related news: Rescuers' efforts ongoing to locate 24 missing residents of Sumedang

Translator: Bagus AR, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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