President Sends Staff to Monitor Situation in Manado

Manado, North Sulawesi (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has sent representatives to monitor conditions in Manado, North Sulawesi, following recent floods and landslides. "President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered us to directly monitor the situation in Manado," one of the staff, Basroni Kiran, said here on Saturday. Basroni, who accompanied Arick Ridzky, said President Yudhoyono was paying special attention to the disaster in Manado. Staff members have also conducted monitoring of flooding across the country. "The President said that Manado is not alone in dealing with the natural disasters," he said. So far, 16 people have reported to have died due to floods and landslides in Manado. Basroni said President Yudhoyono had also asked for an official report from the regional government regarding losses. Manado deputy mayor Vicky Lumentut, meanwhile, said residents in Manado were pleased to receive the President's attention. "We must, indeed, admit that some have not yet received services, but it was not done on purpose, but because of constraints," he said. He added that infrastructure that supports roads and markets has been damaged and is not yet fully operational. "We, however, have tried to serve all as well as we could with all our limitations. Officials in Manado have also been affected," he said. (*)