Three killed in raging river

SEMARANG: Three villagers drowned in the raging Elo river in Magelang regency, some 60 kilometers south of here, on Tuesday.

Rescue workers found the bodies of Suyanti, 18, Rudi Prabowo, 17, and Kohar, 40, all from Mungkid village, in the river's estuary. Witnesses said they slipped into the river while walking along its bank.

The river overflowed following hours of heavy rain which drenched parts of the province. Spokesman for Magelang administration, Hardiyanto, said the flooding was anticipated because it occurred every year.

Floods and storms also hit the neighboring town of Boyolali, damaging at least 14 houses. Spokesman for Boyolali administration, Sukendar, said no fatalities were reported. (har)