Jakarta - Rainwater has drowned hundreds of houses in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara and damaged hundreds others in Jember, East Java, since early Saturday morning, Antara news agency reported.
Around 500 houses in four districts in Jember was damaged after flash flood caused by heavy rain hit shortly after midnight. The flood also caused landslide that blocked a main access road from the regency to Banyuwangi. There were no reports of casualties yet.
Flood also drowned hundreds of houses in Labu Api and Sekarbela districts in Mataram following heavy rain that had poured since Friday evening. The water overflowed two local rivers, Blenyok and Besongoran rivers.
Several residents have fled to higher grounds. Local administration has sent police personnel and search team to evacuate other residents still trapped by the flood.
On the time of writing, rain was still pouring in the areas. (dre)