Flood Inundates Hundreds of House in E Java

Nganjuk, E Java - A flash flood swept through two villages in Nganjuk district, East Java, on Saturday night, inundating more than 500 houses. "The flood is still inundating the villages. The flood-hit villages are Sumengko and Kapas in Sukomoro subdistrict," the head of the Nganjuk district board for national unity, politics and public protection, Gunawan Widagdo, said here on Sunday. The flood occurred after a river in the area overflowed following hours of rains until late Saturday, he said. The houses were submerged by 10-70 cm deep flood water, he said. He said he had asked the local people and security agencies to help repair roads and houses damaged by the flood. "We call on (the local people and security personnel) to help rid flooded houses of mud. We also have asked (the local authorities) to dredge the river so that river water can flow smoothly," he said. The flood forced tens of people to evacuate to higher ground. "I forcibly took my family to my relative's house to stay there for a while. We did so because the flood did not recede until last night," local resident Sugeng said.(*)