Floods force many from homes

Floods force many from homes

BANYUMAS, Central Java: Thousands of residents in six
districts in the regencies of Banyumas and Cilacap were forced to
flee to higher ground after their homes were inundated following
two days of heavy rains.

One person died after he was swept away by floodwater in
Gumelar district, Banyumas, while financial losses amounted to
dozens of million of rupiah, Antara reported on Wednesday.

Traffic connecting Banyumas and Purwokerto was cut off for
hours.

In addition, it was reported that 750 hectares of ripe crops
were destroyed by the flooding in Cilacap. The worst-hit villages
were Sikampuh and Gentasari.

Saddened farmers said they were afraid that food shortages
would become even more acute because of the damaged crops. (45)