Bengkalis, Riau (ANTARA News)- Floods triggered by incessant heavy rains, have submerged 1,070 houses in Bantan and Bengkalis sub-districts, Bengkalis district, Riau Province, Sumatra Island.

In Bantan, some 360 homes were inundated, Jamaluddin, secretary of the Bengkalis disaster mitigation office, said here, Sunday.

"Floodwaters reaching a height of between 50 cm and one meter, have submerged some 150 homes in Deluk village, 10 homes in Ulu Pulau village, and 100 homes in Jangkang and Bantan Sari villages," he said.

In Bengkalis sub-district, floodwaters at height of up to 110 centimeters submerged 710 homes, comprising 200 in Teluk Latak village, 160 Pedekik village, 30 in Damon, 120 in Wonosari, 30 in Senggoro, 150 in Simpang Ayam, and 20 in Sebauk village.

The local disaster mitigation officers helped evacuate flood victims to higher grounds by using rubber boats.

The authorities have warned people living in flood-prone areas, particularly in Bantan, to move to safer places because more downpours are forecast to fall in next few days.

Meanwhile, the death toll of floods and landslides that hit Mandailing Natal (Madina) District in North Sumatra Province, rose to 17 on Sunday.

A joint search and rescue (SAR) team comprising military, police personnel and volunteers, evacuated 17 bodies, Muhammad Yasir, head of the Madina disaster mitigation office, said on Sunday.

Of the 17 casualties, 12 were elementary school students in Ulu Pungkut sub-district, three workers repairing a road culvert in Mura Batang Gadis district, and two people whose car plunged into Aek Batang Gadis river during flooding.

The 12 students were among 29 elementary school students who were stricken by the flood in Muara Saladi village. Twelve students were rescued and seven of them were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Rescuers also managed to evacuate two teachers who survived the flooding.

Reporting by Abdul Razak/Alfisnardo
editing by Fardah

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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