Government to divert Lapindo mud into sea; residents to be relocated

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono declared Wednesday a district in East Java inundated by mudflow from an exploration well a disaster-prone area and ordered the relocation of its residents, a minister said.

"The affected area in is no longer habitable so the residents need to be relocated," Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto was quoted as saying by Antara news agency.

"The president has ordered 2,983 families in the affected area to be relocated and given proper employment and compensation."

Residents from the 400-hectare area in Porong district, Situbondo regency will be relocated to West Porong Barat area although they could opt to be relocated to other locations.

Djoko was speaking after a Cabinet meeting to discuss the mudflow.

The President further said that the mudflow was a crisis and all efforts to stop it had to be continued although the chances were slim.

Djoko also said the mud would soon be discharged into the sea through Porong river awaiting the availability of pumps.

The President also ordered the relocation of affected infrastructure, such as railway lines, toll roads and a gas pipe.

PT Lapindo Brantas will bear all the costs of relocating residents and infrastructure. (*)