Rains cut communications in Nias

Rains cut communications in Nias

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Communications in Nias regency have been cut since Sunday due to damage to the high power amplifier (HPA) following bad weather, local officials said on Monday.

M. Sinaga, spokesman for state-owned telecommunication firm PT Telkom for North Sumatra, said the HPA was damaged hours after the electricity supply was totally cut on Sunday during heavy rains that had triggered flooding in some parts of Nias, killing at least 11 people.

He said Telkom had replaced the damaged HPA with a used one, but the replacement was also damaged several hours after it was installed.

"We are seeking a new replacement with the network division in Tembung, Medan. But it is fruitless because they have none in stock," Sinaga told The Jakarta Post.

Separately, local meteorologist Eddy Kelana said on Monday that sporadic heavy rains would continue to hit Nias and several other parts of the province, with the likelihood of further floods. --JP