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Residents of Sikka regency blame floods on mining activities
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A flood hits Egon village in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, following heavy rainfall from Sunday to Monday. (JP/Hengky Ola Sura)
D
ozens of buildings in Egon village in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, were left submerged in floodwater following heavy rainfall from Sunday to Monday.
Aton Gomez and Yati Frederika, two residents from Talibura district who attempted to pass through the area, said they had to return to Maumere because they were afraid of the intensity of the flood.
They told The Jakarta Post that the flood occurred due to mining activities that prevented water from flowing in a river in Waigete district.
“From the very first time I walked across the village, I predicted that it would be impacted by flooding during every rainy season because the mining activities near the location blocked the water route. Why are they working on a project without thinking about its impact?” Aton said on Wednesday.
Joni Carvalo, a resident of Waigete, said the residents warned the local administration and miners about the effects of the mining project but were ignored.
Houses, schools and the Waigete community health center were among the many buildings affected by the flood. The health center’s newly constructed fence, which cost Rp 4 billion (US$ 287,672), collapsed.
Egon village chief Florianus Angelinus said the flood was the largest to have hit the village in five years. He also stated that it occurred due to the mining activities.
No casualties were reported. (dpk)
