Lebak, Banten (ANTARA) - The government has deployed a helicopter to dispense humanitarian assistance to flood and landslide survivors in Lebak Gedong Sub-district, Banten's district of Lebak, head of the district's disaster mitigation agency (BPBD) Kaprawi stated.

"Yesterday, Head of Lebak District Iti Octavia Jayabaya conducted the aerial distribution of logistical aid to isolated residential areas in the villages of Cigobang and Gunung Julang," Kaprawi remarked here on Monday.

The flood and landslide that struck some parts of Lebak District on Wednesday (Jan 1) severed access to some residential areas in Lebak Gedong Sub-district, including those in the villages of Banjarsari and Ciladaeun.

BPBD Lebak deployed a helicopter to distribute rice, instant food, milk, drinking water, mat, clothing, and blankets to flood survivors. The helicopter was readied by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

"Thanks to BNPB chief Doni Mondardo, who has readied one helicopter for distributing aid to isolated areas," he added.

He urged residents to remain alert to likely flooding, as the weather forecast hinted at light to heavy rain for the next 10 days in the area.

The flooding that hit Lebak District, triggered by the overflowing of Ciberang River on the downstream of the Mount Halimun Salak National Park, claimed 10 lives in Lebak Gedong Sub-district and severely damaged 1,060 houses, 28 bridges, and four schools.

The disaster compelled 17,200 residents to seek refuge.

"We are still collecting more data on facilities damaged by Wednesday's flood and landslide," Kaprawi stated.

Torrential rains, lashing overnight since Tuesday (Dec 31, 2019) evening, triggered the Ciberang River to overflow, carrying along with it stones and mud and hit residential areas on the banks of the river.

According to BNPB Chief Doni Monardo, massive gold mines in the area of Mount Halimun Salak National Park caused the flash flood.

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Translator: Mansyur Suryana, Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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