River washes up many houses

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Thousands of houses and hectares of paddy fields in Merbau subdistrict, Labuhan Batu regency, were flooded Saturday when the Merbau river overflowed following heavy rains, Antara reported.

No casualties were reported.

Civilians and military personnel all helped evacuate residents of the villages of Simpang Empat, Pare-Pare Tengah, Pare-Pare Hilir and Aek Hitetoras to higher ground. (08)