Floods displace hundreds of people in Jember

Floods which followed a heavy downpour on Sunday have forced hundreds of people in three villages in the East Java town of Jember to flee their home.

Head of the local community protection agency Edy Budi Susilo said on Monday the overnight rain had caused Jatiroto River to overflow and inundate Yosorati, Jatiroto and Sumberagung villages, which are located along the river basin. The villages are home to 330 families.

“Thank God, the disaster claimed no life. District and village officials have moved quickly to help evacuate the flood victims,” Edy said as quoted by Antara.

In some areas the flood has receded and allowed residents to clear their home of the mud, but in other areas the floodwater reached 1.6 meters in height, Edy said.

The local government asked the flood victims on Monday to remain on alert of the disaster to strike again.