North Sulawesi landslides, flood inflict Rp 70b in material losses

Antara ,  Manado   |  Mon, 07/28/2008 5:24 PM  |  National

Landslides and floods hitting South Bolmong and Bolmong regency, North Sulawesi, since July 17, 2008, have caused around Rp 70 billion in material losses.

The natural disasters have damaged public infrastructures such as roads and bridges, hundreds of houses and farming areas, said Feybe Rondonuwu, North Sulawesi administration spokesman, in
Manado on Monday.

The worst hit districts include Bolaang Uki, Pinolosian Timur, and Pinolosian Tengah. The disasters have also isolated Tobayagan and Posilagon villages from the rest of surrounding areas.

Pinolosian Timur district head Mondo Rusdin said the floods had cut off roads, damaged dams and irrigation system, swept away seven houses, and damaged several others in his area.

Material losses inflicted by the floods were estimated to have reached Rp 40 billion in the district alone, Rusdin said.

In Bolang Uki, the floods and landslides damaged a 12-km long road, and seriously damaged a bridge at Salongo village. In Posiganda district, 13 houses disappeared after being washed away by the flood currents.

The local authorities distributed relief aid consisting of, among other things, rice, instant noodles, clothes and canned fish.(**)

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