Lhokseumawe, Aceh (ANTARA News) - Floods triggered by days of heavy rains hit North Aceh district, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.

Flood waters, which reached 30 cm up to 1 m high, forced the residents of Matang Kuli and Langkahan sub-districts to evacuate, spokesman for North Aceh district administration, T. Nadirsyah, said on Monday.

"The floods began to affect the areas yesterday and spread to other areas last night," he said.

Thousands of evacuees are being sheltered at a number of mosques.

He said the North Aceh district head has instructed relevant agencies to evacuate residents from their flooded homes and set up public kitchens at evacuation sites.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016