Flood-swept homes burglarized

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Even in times of suffering, there always seems to be someone trying to take advantage.

This is the situation facing victims of a massive flood here, with thieves looting houses from which the occupants had been evacuated.

The crisis coordination post has received dozens of reports of burglaries since the massive flood hit the provincial capital on Friday.

"We have received reports that no less than 30 houses were burglarized," Syahrudin, a disaster post coordinator said here yesterday.

One resident, Zulkarnaen, recounted how he saw burglars when he was sitting on the roof of his house: "I saw them pass by and thought they were residents who were saving their belongings. But when I tried to speak to them they hurriedly paddled away. We tried to catch them but it was difficult since they were on small rafts, while we were stuck on the roof."

Antara has reported that joint efforts are now being made to coordinate security around areas still flooded.

A major flood of up to two meters inundated much of Samarinda when a dam burst, forcing the evacuation of 100,000 residents. Four people were also reportedly killed.