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Floods hit several regions, killing seven in East Java
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Residents and rescuers search for survivors following a flash flood in Malang, East Java, on Thursday. (AFP/AFP)
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t least seven people are dead in East Java and two in West Kalimantan after several parts of archipelago were hit by heavy rainfall and flooding in recent days resulting from the La Niña weather phenomenon.
In Batu city near Malang, East Java, heavy rains caused flash floods in six villages on Thursday, displacing at least 89 families, killing 7 people, damaging 35 houses and submerging 33 houses in mud as of Saturday, according to the Batu Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD).
National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Abdul Muhari said on Sunday that the agency had found that the banks of six rivers in Batu had lost some of the dense vegetation that protected soil from erosion during heavy rain. This, he said, made the areas more prone to flash flooding.
The agency also found that some lower parts of the mountain slopes that were supposed to remain forested for the same reason had been converted into farmland.
To prevent future flash floods, Abdul said, the city administration would have to monitor areas prone to flooding and erosion and plant vetiver, a tall grass whose roots help prevent erosion and absorb water.
Batu deputy mayor Punjul said 80 vehicles had been damaged in the flood and some 100 cattle had died.
"The handling and evacuation of affected victims is still being carried out," he said, as quoted by kompas.com.
