The flood occurred so quickly that residents had no chance to save their belongings, chief of the Probolinggo district natural disaster mitigation board (BPBD) Masyhuri Efendi said.
At least six people were reported missing.
The flood also destroyed public utilities such as school buildings, and places of worship and carried away livestock.
The five flash flood-affected sub-districts are Kraksaan, Gading, Krejengan, Pakuniran, and Pajarakan
He said the flash flood was caused by the overflowing of Pekalen river following heavy rains in the upper reach of the river at Mount Argopuro.
Hundreds of people were taking refuge at higher ground along with their livestock for fear that another flash flood would recur.
Tens of security personnel were deployed to flood-hit villages such as Patemon village which was hit hardest by the flood to help flood victims.
Krejengan sub-district head Suharto said the flood inflicted billions of rupiahs in losses at Patemon village alone.
He said the flash flood also cut off three bamboo bridge which linked the village to other villages in the sub-district.
Spokesman of Probolinggo police resort Comr. Hadiprayitno said at least two school buildings at the village were damaged. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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