Two dead, one missing in Lampung floods

Two dead, one missing in Lampung floods

Oyos Saroso, The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung

Two people died, other went missing and four houses were swept
away in floods in West Lampung and Tanggamus regencies on
Wednesday and Thursday.

The flooding also caused a landslide on a main road connecting
the two regencies, leading to heavy road congestion.

The remains of Taskir and Tarwuji were found floating on a
river and at sea respectively in West Lampung regency, while
Afrizal was swept away by a strong current while bathing in a
river with friends on Thursday. A search and rescue team is
looking for him.

The flooding also caused traffic congestion from Wednesday
through Thursday night on a road in Kubuperahu subdistrict, West
Lampung, due to a landslide that closed off the road after heavy
rain. The incident caused long lines of cars and motorcycles
waiting to get through, including a car belonging to Lampung
provincial councillor Christimore.

Road operator firm PT Bina Marga was advised of the situation
and head of its task force in Lampung, Muhammad Rasyid, ordered
the deployment of heavy machinery to the area.

Separately in Tanggamus regency, heavy rain has caused the
Jelai River to overflow. Four houses were reportedly swept away
by a strong current while another house was severely damaged. An
environmentalist, Mukri Priatna, said the flooding and landslide
was caused by rampant illegal logging in the two regencies.
Illegal logging is thought to take place in South Bukit Barisan
National Park, which is located in the two regencies.