Awaited rain brings tragedy to C. Java

SEMARANG, Central Java: Long-awaited rainfall in Central Java brought sudden calamity as dozens of homes were destroyed by the rain and strong winds.

The spokesman of the Grobogan regency, Tjipto Santoso, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that heavy rain Sunday evening had destroyed 20 homes, damaged at least 250 and resulted in the death of dozens of goats killed underneath the debris.

"The rain was initially greeted with joy, but it quickly turned to horror as many houses were destroyed," he said.

Central Java, like many other provinces, was hit hard as the dry season depleted water supplies to a minimum.

The Blora regency also sustained damage from Sunday night's heavy rainfall. Five houses were demolished.

So far, there have been no reports of casualties. (mds)