The downpours caused flooding in 15 regions in Bandung District, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, said in a statement, here, on Sunday.
The flood-affected regions are Cicalengka, Rancaekek, Cileunyi, Solokan Jeruk, Majalaya, Ciparay, Baleendah, Dayeuhkolot, Bojongsoang, Pameungpeuk, Banjaran, Arjasri, Cangkuang, Katapang and Kutawaringin.
The flooding forced more than three thousand people to evacuate themselves to higher grounds, and affected some 5,900 families comprising 24 thousand people.
The floodwaters reached a height of between 80 cm to three meters, particularly in villages near the river bank.
The dead victims were Risa, 13, and Ela, 40, who lived in Sawahluhur, Sukasari village, Pameungpeuk Sub-district.
Elas husband and two daughters were missing as the building where they were staying and is located near the river bank, collapsed after being swept away by flash floods.
A joint team of the Bandung Disaster Mitigation Office (BPBD) and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) are currently looking for the three missing victims.
The downpours also triggered a landslide in Lemburkebon area, Padasuka village, Kutawaringin Sub-district, Bandung.
The landslide seriously damaged one house, but did not claim any lives.
BNPB Chief Willem Rampangilei has instructed evacuation of the natural disasters victims. They are currently being accommodated in local governments offices, schools and mosques.
The Bandung district head is expected to declare a flood emergency status soon to accelerate the rescue efforts.
On March 2, the BNPB chief told the press that his office recorded floods and landslides in 260 cities and regencies since the beginning of the year and until February 26.
"Forty-six people died in the disasters and 16 sustained injuries, while as many as 1,083,104 people were displaced," Willem Rampangilei stated.***4***
J010 (T.SYS/A/F001/F001) 13-03-2016 13:14:06
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
