Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang
Heavy downpours Wednesday intensified floods in Belu regency, East Nusa Tenggara, with floodwater reaching two meters high in some villages.
Belu deputy regent Gregorius Mau Bili said Wednesday that at least 23 villages in three districts were flooded. The water subsided for several hours but then rose again.
"There are no casualties but thousands of residents had to flee to safety since water from the Benenain River continued increasing following heavy downpours," he said.
The administration, he said, had urged residents to leave their homes immediately and stay alert to prevent injuries and deaths.
"There is no data on the financial loss or the number of residents directly affected by the floods, since district officials are still working in the field," Gregorius added.
He said the regency had issued a policy calling for the relocation of residents living along riverbanks or in flood-prone areas.
"We're currently approaching some community leaders in the hope that they will allow us to use their land as relocation sites," he said.
The regency is also working to build dams along the Benenain River to prevent future flooding, he added.
Gregorius said the government had started distributing basic necessities including food, clean water and medical supplies to the flood victims.
"In the meantime, the regency administration is handling the flood victims' needs."
Remigius Asa, the head of the worst-hit district, West Malaka, said several victims had started suffering from breathing problems and skin rashes. He blamed the diseases on poor sanitation.
"Residents drink and bathe in dirty water so they get sick easily," he said.
The floods hit 14 villages in West Malaka, four villages in Weilemar and five villages in Central Malaka on Saturday.