The flood was triggered by the overflowing of Batang Kapeh river following incessant heavy rains which had fallen in the area since Monday (July 11), Nas Hariadi, the South Pesisir disaster mitigation office head, said here on Tuesday.
Local inhabitants were forced to evacuate their belongings to safer area due to the flood reaching a height of up to 1.5 meter.
Hundreds of houses at Nagari Gurun Panjang, Bayang sub-district, were inundated up to an adult`s knee, causing a number of people to take refuge to higher ground.
Students were unable to go to schools because the only road towards their schools were flooded.
Nas Hariadi said his office had sent a team to help the evacuation of flood victims.
Indonesia is entering a dry season but floods still occur in several regions.
In Gorontalo Province, floods forced thousands of residents of Botumoito, Dulupi, Paguyaman, and Tilamuta sub districts, Boalemo District, to evacuate themselves to safer places.
A total of 2,947 people took refuge due to floods, Tuti Pratama, coordinator of the Gorontalo disaster mitigation office, said in Gorontalo, recently.
The floods swept away 24 houses and seriously damaged 49 others in Boalemo District.
"We are currently collecting data on the number of flood victims and the material losses inflicted in the disaster in Boalemo District," Tuti said.
The local authorities have provided emergency tents to accommodate the flood victims, and set up public kitchens to provide food for the refugees.
"We also provide blankets for them," she added.
Two water tanks were being prepared to distribute clean water for the refugees.
(Uu.F001/HAJM/S012)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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