Eight die in flash floods

Eight die in flash floods

LAHAT, South Sumatra: Eight people have been found dead and 18 others are missing after flash floods hit Galang and Tanjung Agung villages in the Ulu Musi district Wednesday night, Antara reported.

The overflowing of the Betung River after hours of rain has also destroyed 133 buildings, the agency reported. The Lahat administration has set up rescue teams and monitoring posts at the two villages.

The district's population is around 32,500.

As of yesterday afternoon, the eight bodies have yet to be identified. The disaster caused estimated financial damage of Rp 1 billion (approximately US$430,477).

Regent Solichin Daud has sent 500 kilograms of rice to the stricken areas, which are 250 kilometers away from Lahat city. More help is on the way, he said. (swe)