Dozens Buried by Landslide in Bolaang Mongondow Mining Area
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27 February 2019 09:57 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) spokesperson, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, said that landslide occurred the illegal gold mining area in Bakan Village, Lolayan District, Bolaang Mongondow Regency, North Sulawesi on Tuesday, February 26 at 21:00 local times.
“Poles and planks backing the mining pit broke due to unstable land condition and many pits,” said Sutopo in a press conference received byTempo today, February 27.
Sutopo said that more than 60 people were buried in the location. As of today morning at 05:00 local times, 14 had been rescued; one died and the others suffered minor and major injuries.
“It is estimated that dozens of people are still trapped,” he added.
Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Bolmong coordinated with the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) of Kotamobagu Post, Lolayan Resort Police, and Lolayan military command (Koramil) to evacuate victims. Kotamobagu Resort Police, Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), and JRBM Rescue, as well as locals and miners in the location also helped the evacuation effort.
“Evacuation is still underway despite on night time because many are still buried by landslide and they are expected to be alive,” said Sutopo early this morning.
RYAN DWIKY ANGGRIAWAN
