Toraja Landslides Cause 115 Residents Sustaining

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported landslides in North Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi Province, causing 115 residents to evacuate. "The landslide incident hit the houses of residents in Kurra Village and Lembang Toyasa Ang Village located in Bangkelikila District," said North Toraja Regency Head of Data, Information and Disaster Communication Center Abdul Muhari in a written statement quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, February 7. He explained the landslide that occurred on Saturday, at 06.05 WITA, triggered rain with high intensity February 4 as well as unstable ground construction in the area. North Toraja Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported a quick assessment through the BNPB Pusdalops as of last Sunday, at 14.00 WIB, recorded eight houses, one rice barn, and one hectare of rice fields affected by landslides. "In addition, local farmers also suffered losses to an impact on ten animals buried with landslide material," he said.BPBD North Toraja Regency together with a joint team, such as the TNI/Polri, local government and the community provided emergency handling, among others, providing logistics and evacuation for affected residents. Based on PVMBG information regarding the potential for land to move in North Toraja Regency, in particular Bangkelikila District, for February it has a potential level with a medium to high category. Therefore, BNPB urges the public not to live under the hill slope. In addition, vegetation-based mitigation is needed by planting plants, such as fragrant roots, to bind soil structures and anticipate landslide threats.