Weather Hinders Gold Mining Landslide Evacuation in Gorontalo

Gorontalo – Weather condition is the main obstacle in the evacuation process for landslide victims in the community mining area of East Tulabolo Village, East Suwawa District, Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province.

"On the fourth day, the evacuation of Tulabolo landslide victims was hampered by the weather," said Head of the Gorontalo Province Search and Rescue (SAR) Office, Heriyanto in Gorontalo, on Wednesday (July 9).

According to Heriyanto, the high rainfall in the area has hindered the search efforts, so the team has not been able to find other victims until now.

"There was heavy rainfall since Tuesday night. So, for the time being, the SAR operation has been halted. The personnel who ascended on the first and second days will be replaced," he remarked.

In addition to the search for victims at the landslide site being temporarily halted, the police helicopter could not yet be used to evacuate victims or deliver logistical aid, he said.

A total of 137 joint personnel have been prepared to replace the previous personnel who conducted the search on the first and second days.

One heavy equipment unit at drill point 13 also had to be temporarily stopped.

Regarding the evacuation time for the survivors and deceased victims, Heriyanto said it would last for seven days from the incident date on Saturday, July 13.

This period can be extended if the local government declares an emergency status.

Data at the Poduwoma Post until Wednesday at 12 p.m. local time recorded 85 survivors, 23 fatalities, and 32 still missing.