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)