Hundreds evacuated from flash floods in Indonesia

Hundreds of families were evacuated after flash floods submerged their homes in Indonesia.

Heavy downpours caused the Satui river in Tanah Bumbu Regency, South Kalimantan province to swell and submerge nearby villages on Thursday (September 3).

The flood water easily reached a height of two to three metres after 48 hours of unrelenting torrential rains.

Eriyanto Rais, Head of the Tanah Bumbu Regency Disaster Management Agency, said the affected families were already evacuated.

He said: "There are 1,275 families affected and 163 hectares of agricultural land damaged as well.

We don't have an estimate yet about the damage it caused on properties until the water clears." However, Eriyanto added that the rescuers continue to patrol the submerged villages because there are some residents who refuse to be evacuated to protect their properties.

Eriyanto said: "For people who refuse to leave, we ensure that they have enough food and medicine to go by.

But if we see elderly and children in these homes, we take them with us." The water level is estimated to continue to increase because the heavy rain is forecasted to continue pouring until the weekend.

Disaster management officers and residents set up public kitchens and evacuation tents for families staying in school buildings.

The affected families are expected to stay in these temporary shelters until the weather condition is better.