NTT BPBD: Access To Trans Timor Putus Covered By Landslides

Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) reported that the Trans Timor road access on Timor Island was cut off due to landslides in the Kupang Regency area.

"That's right, there was a landslide that occurred on Friday night, February 17, which caused the Trans Timor road access to be temporarily cut off completely," said Head of BPBD for NTT Province Ambrosius Kodo when confirmed in Kupang, Saturday.

He explained that the roads affected by the landslide were in Noelmina Village, Takari District, which connects Kupang Regency with South Central Timor Regency.

As a result of the incident, he continued, a truck carrying a container crossing the road was hit off the road due to being carried away by landslide material.

Ambrosius said that the handling effort was also carried out immediately after the incident considering that the road continues to be the main access that connects areas on the island of Timor.

Heavy vehicles, he said, had been deployed to help evacuate trucks and clean landslide materials.

"Since last night the Kupang Regency BPBD and the Public Works and Public Housing and Road Hall have been at the scene for coordination of handling," he said.

Ambrosius added that until Saturday (18/2) morning efforts were still being handled because the affected roads were quite long.

"Until this morning the road has not been passed, alternative roads are being pursued," he said.