Malang-Lumajang Route Via Ampelgading Closed Due To Landslides

Archival photo. Malang Police Traffic Head AKP Agnis Juwita Manurung. (ANTARA/Vicki Febrianto)

Road access from Malang Regency, to Lumajang Regency, which passes through Ampelgading District, was closed due to landslides that occurred in Picket Zero Kamkajang, Sumberwuluh Village, Candipuro District, Lumajang Regency, East Java. Traffic Head of Malang Police AKP Agnis Juwita Manurung said the road access closure was carried out since an avalanche occurred on the arterial route connecting Malang Regency with Lumajang. "We have closed the flow of vehicles since the landslide occurred," Agnis said, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, July 7. Agnis explained that the flow of vehicles going to the Lumajang Regency area was advised to use other routes such as from the Pasuruan-Probolinggo direction. People are still advised to be careful when driving. According to him, based on reports from personnel who served in the Ampelgading District area bordering Lumajang Regency, currently the rain is still pouring down the area with light to moderate intensity. "The weather is currently still raining, it is feared that there will be further landslides," he said.

For vehicles that will pass to Lumajang Regency via Ampelgading District, an appeal will be given to turn back because until now the road access is still not accessible to vehicles. "We have recommended that vehicles make a U-turn at Simpang Tiga, Turen District and at Simpang Empat, Dampit District," he said. Landslides occurred at Kilometer (KM) 59 of the zero Lumajang-Malang picket line on Friday (7/7). Visual monitoring in the field estimated an avalanche length of about 20 meters with an altitude of 10 meters.

The joint team has deployed heavy equipment to carry out a completely closed road opening. However, the weather conditions at the scene have not made it possible to continue emergency handling efforts.