Floods hamper Idul Fitri exodus

Floods hamper Idul Fitri exodus

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Heavy rains on Wednesday and Thursday have caused the Cihaur and Cikawang rivers in Banyumas and Cilacap to overflow, flooding the road connecting the two regencies and hampering traffic.

The water was, at some sections of the road, up to one meter deep. Cars and buses carrying Idul Fitri holiday makers from Jakarta and Bandung in West Java formed long lines along the road. The traffic came to a complete standstill at around 10 p.m. on Thursday.

Banyumas Regent Djoko Sudantoko and Cilacap Regent HM Soepardi yesterday took part in the effort to help residents of thousands of flooded homes to seek shelter on higher ground.

The Jakarta Post observed that traffic congestion began as far back as Dayeuhluhur, an area which borders West Java, and reached Purworejo, which borders Yogyakarta province.

Most of the buses were three to four hours late in reaching the terminals in Purwokerto. (wah/swe)