Flash flood claims two lives

Flash flood claims two lives

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: A flash flood that followed heavy
rains here claimed the lives of two young children as they were
dragged by a strong current for some 300 meters.

The Zeri, 7, and her classmate Priyadi, 6, drowned after a
one-hour downpour in the city on Friday. The water quickly rose
as the city's drainage system failed to cope with the rain.

One senior resident of Palembang said that this was the first
time he could recollect that a flood in the city had claimed a
life.

"As far as I can remember it's never happened before", said
Afandi, 78.

A drainage expert from Sriwijaya University, Sarino said that
the drainage system in Palembang was one of the key areas which
immediately needed to be improved and properly maintained. (33)