Thousands stuck in shelters remain isolated

Andi Hajramurni ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Makassar   |  Tue, 01/20/2009 4:03 PM  |  The Archipelago

Twelve villages in West Sulawesi were still flooded Monday nine days after heavy rain and landslides struck the Polewali Mandar regency.

Thousands of refugees remain isolated as meters of mud blocked village roads and landslides destroyed a major-arterial bridge. The local administration estimates nearly 600 homes have been swept away and over 6,000 others severely damaged.*

Regency spokesman Muham-mad Aksan said Monday even the usual alternative transportation - horses - could not be used in the conditions.

"Fortunately we have a helicopter lent to us by Vice President Jusuf Kalla which can transport equipment and supplies for around 3,000 villagers," he said.

Cleaning up debris from the landslide - including trees - has not been completed in several of the worst-hit areas, including the low-lying districts of Tinambung, Limboro and Allu. Three villagers are still missing and 11 have been declared dead in those areas.

The floods have damaged 86 bridges, 166 kilometers of roads, irrigation facilities and dams across three districts, with over 1,000 hectares of paddy fields and 2,000 hectares of cacoa crops being destroyed.

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