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)