Three children die in floods

SEMARANG: Heavy rains over Central Java all through Tuesday have caused flooding in Surakarta and Kudus, where three children were drowned.

Thousands of residents had to flee to higher ground while schools and shops were closed on Wednesday. A local official said five subdistricts in Kudus and six in Surakarta were affected by the flooding.

Surakarta Mayor Imam Sutejo said communal kitchens were built for those in various shelters. In addition, dozens of search and rescue workers were deployed to help residents evacuate flooded areas. (har)