"We have not been able to confirm the number of refugees, as they are still evacuating residents trapped in floods," Sumardi, head of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Office (BPBD) of Banten Province, stated here on Thursday.
Most displaced people, especially those in the old age group and children, moved to their relatives' homes that were not affected by flooding.
Related news: Flash flood submerges 96 homes in Cipanas, Lebak
The Banten BPBD, assisted by personnel of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) as well as volunteers, used rubber boats for evacuation.
"We have neither opened a public kitchen nor a command post of emergency shelters, as we are currently concentrating on rescue efforts," he revealed.
Floods have affected the villages of Ciikeusik, Ciruji, and Lebak Keusik in Banjarsari Sub-district, Lebak District, since Wednesday.
Floodwaters, reaching nearly 1.5 meters in height, were triggered by unremitting downpours for over 12 hours.
Indonesia is currently experiencing La Nina-induced rainy season that has caused flooding in several provinces, including Central Java, Banten, and North Sumatra. (INE)
Related news: Jokowi urges to prioritize safety of natural disaster victims
Translator: Mansyur S, Fardah
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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