Bengkulu (ANTARA News) - A flash flood triggered by the overflowing of the Seblat River in North Bengkulu District hit the habitat of Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus Sumatrae).

"The flash flood hampered officers from crossing by a boat to the elephant training center," Asep, an elephant tamer in the Seblat elephant training center, said Friday.

The flood that started Thursday evening, swept away a crossing boat in to the rivers currents.

Tens of households living in Sukabaru Village were forced to evacuate to higher grounds due to the flood.

The flash flood began at 9 p.m. local time Thursday, Sub-district Head of Marga Sakti Seblat of North Bengkulu District Jalaludin said.

Some 120 villagers took refuge in four safe places due to the floodwaters reaching a height of up to 1.5 meters, he said.

(f001/INE/B003)

Edited by INE.

Editor: Suryanto
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