Having been cut off due to a landslide, the Trans-Papua Road in Nabire is now passable

The Trans-Papua road at Km 55 in Gamei Jaya Village, Uwapa District, was cut off on Monday afternoon due to heavy rain in the area. The road segment connecting between regions in Central Papua is completely damaged along a 10-meter stretch.

Also read: Access to Langgai has been cut off for a week due to landslides

The Head of the Central Papua Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Victor Fun, said that the Trans-Papua road is an important access for the community. Moreover, this road is the only land access connecting the capital of Central Papua, Nabire, to other districts, namely Paniai, Deiyai, and Dogiyai.

With the potential for rain still occurring, the public is advised to remain alert, especially those passing through (the area) around the landslide.

On the day of the incident, local residents and drivers made an alternative road. However, the road could not be fully utilized as it was made only with makeshift materials.

Four-wheeled vehicles, including those used for transportation of necessities and logistics, are forced to only stop at designated stops. Some members of the community are attempting to pass through using smaller vehicles.

"With the potential for more rain, the community is advised to remain vigilant, especially those passing through areas where landslides may occur," said Victor.

Also read: Road Broken, Heavy Equipment Difficult to Reach Landslide Locations in Tana Toraja

Immediate treatment

Moments after the landslide disaster, Anwar said, the Central Papua Provincial Government immediately coordinated with several parties, including the National Road Implementation Center (BPJN) in the Papua region for immediate handling.

"After we obtained the information, we coordinated with several parties. With this quick handling, the distribution mobility of logistics and community needs is safe," said Anwar.

Contacted separately, the Head of the National Road Implementation Unit VII BPJN Jayapura Eko Widirianto stated that heavy equipment was immediately dispatched on Tuesday morning to carry out road repairs.

"Since yesterday morning, we have been lowering a number of heavy equipment to do cleaning and filling. With that, Tuesday afternoon can already be passed and today (Wednesday) is completed," he said.

Furthermore, according to Eko, permanent asphalt paving is being coordinated with BPJN Jayapura. "Right now, we prioritize making the road functional first because it is an important access. Currently, we are coordinating with the office for the next work," he said.