Flash Floods Hit Two Areas In West Sumatra

Ahmad Fuad Yahya JAKARTA, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Flash floods which struck two areas in the Pasaman district of West Sumatra yesterday has damaged public facilities and property, including eight houses and a surau which were washed away by the water. The incident which affected Kampung Maringgiang, Bungo Tanjuang, Nagari Malampah in the Tigo Nagari subdistrict and Kampung Simpang 3, Marambuang Nagari Simpang in the Simpati subdistrict also damaged 200 homes, said the National Agency for Disaster Management on Thursday. Heavy rainfall since yesterday afternoon has resulted water levels to rise up to five metres in both areas, dragging along logs and debris from the Rimbo Malapah hill. The flood water has also cut off access to a bridge and Jalan Simpati Malampah. So far no fatalities were reported, however, flood victims have been temporarily evacuated to a mosque and two schools and government aid agencies have sent their officers to assist in managing evacuees. -- BERNAMA