Days of heavy rain that lead to severe floods and landslides in the island of Sumatra have claimed the lives of 29 people.
Hundreds of buildings, bridges, and roads in nine districts of Bengkulu province have been damaged by severe weather and 12,000 people have been evacuated.
Despite the water receding in some places, officials warned the public that the impact may continue. “The impact of this disaster may increase. Landslides and floods could happen again if rainfall is high,” national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho warned.
Other problems have also arisen due to poor hygiene and the lack of clean water, namely skin diseases and respiratory infection. Public kitchens and evacuation shelters have been set up to cater to about 13,000 people, while search and rescue team continue to reach the hard-hit areas.
“The distribution of aid has been hampered because road access has been cut off by the floods and landslides,” Nugroho said, adding excavators were being used to clear debris from roads.
Source: Channel News Asia
Image: Antara News