JAKARTA, Indonesia, June 23 (NNN-ANTARA) – Floods and landslides in Indonesia’s South-east Sulawesi province have triggered more residents to flee their houses, a disaster agency official said today (Sunday).
Since June 2, floodwater kept submerging Konawe Utara district, said Djasmidin Djamal, head of the emergency and logistic section, of the disaster management agency, in the district.
According to the agency, 9,609 people have been taking shelter on higher grounds.
“The number of displaced has climbed to nearly 10,000. They have been taking shelters at makeshift tents, government buildings and relatives’ houses,” he said.
A total of 5,703 evacuees were logged on June 12, according to the national disaster management agency.
Days of torrential rains have swollen the Landu, Walasola and Landawe rivers that burst their banks, and submerged the district, the agency said.
Some 370 houses were eroded by floodwaters, so far, up from 202 on June 12, Djasmidin said, adding that, 18,765 people were affected in Konawe Utara district.
“The problem now is that, several displaced and affected persons have been suffering from fever,” he said.
The disaster has destroyed four bridges, roads, scores of school buildings and mosques, and the water has also submerged 970.3 hectares of rice fields and 430 hectares of fish pond, according to the national disaster management agency.
Emergency relief efforts have been underway, including distribution of relief aid, providing medical assistance and services, it said.
Indonesia is frequently hit by floods and landslides during heavy rains, which often cause big damage and casualties.– NNN-ANTARA
