Flood returns to Riau town

PEKANBARU, Riau: While waters are down in the Rokan Hilir, Siak and Indragiri Hulu regions, new floods hit the Palalawang area on Saturday, officials say.

No injuries have yet been reported and the fate of many residents was not known on Saturday night.

The Riau Social Welfare Office said the floods began on Friday, submerging hundreds of homes, schools and other public buildings in 10 villages in the area.

Floodwaters reached up to 1.5 meters high in several parts of Palalawang, forcing some schools to close.

The flood also damaged roads and swept away bridges, including one that linked Ukui village to neighboring areas. --JP