Hundreds moved from flood

Hundreds moved from flood

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Hundreds of residents of Lepo-
Lepo and Asera districts in Kendari regency have been evacuated
after a flood hit the area, Antara reported yesterday.

Head of the provincial office of Ministry of Social Service
Rustam Pale said a team of rescue workers had been deployed to
help the residents move to higher grounds. Food supplies had also
been sent.

"We're preparing more supplies, as there have been reports
that the flooding is expanding. The water levels of Wanggu and
Lasolo rivers are rising," he said.

There have been no reports of casualties from at least seven
villages that were hit by the flood. La Ode Saiddin of the
Kendari municipality administration said that the disaster is an
annual occurrence.

Meanwhile, from Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan,
Antara reported that the flood which hit Satui district, Kotabaru
regency three days ago has begun to subside. Most of the 1,400
families who escaped to safer grounds, however, chose to remain
in their shelter for fear that the water level might rise again.

Satui district chief Suwardi said the fear was reasonable, as
rains have yet to let up.

"If it rains again over the upper course of the Danau River,
the flood will surely rise again," he said. The flooding is the
third to hit the area this year.

Other areas affected by the flooding were in the Kintap
district, Tanah Laut regency. There have not been any reports of
casualties. (swe)