Rp 21b, 4 lives lost in floods

Rp 21b, 4 lives lost in floods

RENGAT, Riau: Floods that have been sweeping through the Indragiri Hulu regency over the last two months have caused an estimated Rp 21 billion (about US$10 million) in material losses.

The floods have drowned four people and caused extensive damage to tens of thousand hectares of paddy fields, over 15,000 houses and other buildings, roads and bridges.

Indragiri Hulu regent Ruchiyat Saefuddin said here on Tuesday that at least 18,000 families had been evacuated to safer ground.

He said his regency has received relief aid worth Rp 500 million (about US$225,000) and dozens of tons of rice. All aid has been channeled to the victims, he said.

He added the floods were still inundating some 70 villages, Antara reported yesterday. (rms)