Floods Soak 26 Points In Samarinda, Toddlers Reportedly Lost In The Current

Baniir on Lambung Mangkurat Street Samarinda, East Kalimantan, began to recede on Tuesday afternoon (ANTARA)

SAMARINDA - Heavy rains caused heavy flooding in Samarinda, East Kalimantan (Kaltim) to inundate 26 locations on Monday 12 May. The water level reaches 50 centimeters (cm) to more than 1 meter, resulting in paralysis of traffic flow and disruption of residents' activities.

Tragically, a 2.5-year-old toddler was reported missing by heavy currents in Bukit Pinang Village, Samarinda Ulu District. The victim is known to have the initials NB.

The flood not only submerged houses and roads, but also dragged vehicles. One unit of a Toyota Fortuner car worth Rp. 500 million was reportedly swept away by the current. Flood this time not only inundation, but also in heavy flows," said the Samarinda BPBD officer.

According to Basarnas Balikpapan, the unfortunate incident occurred at around 14:21 WITA. At that time, the victim was playing on the terrace of the house with his father who was cleaning the waterways when the Samarinda flood occurred.

Without realizing it, the victim fell and was immediately swept away by the current. His father tried to save, but the current was too strong," said Head of the Balikpapan Basarnas Daily Guard Aries.

Reports came to Basarnas at 16.50 WITA, and one rescue team was immediately dispatched to conduct a search.

Until late at night, the SAR team was still conducting sweeps around the location of the victim's disappearance. Residents were asked to be vigilant and not let children play outside the house during the Samarinda flood.