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)