Floods Hit Siak Riau: 43 Affected Villages, 492 Families Refuge To Emergency Tents

Illustration of floods submerging residents' houses.. (ANTARA-Prasetyo Utomo)

A total of 43 villages or villages in 8 sub-districts became the worst point of flooding in Siak Regency, Riau Province. As a result, 492 families (KK) had to be evacuated to emergency tents.

"We can monitor residents affected by the flood. If at the worst point it is possible to evacuate, we evacuate residents. We also distribute logistics supplies and set up emergency tents," said Deputy Regent of Siak, Husni Merza, Wednesday, January 10, quoted by Antara.

His party saw the condition of the residents and handed over aid for nine staples and food in Dua Bandar Sungai Hamlet, Sabak Auh District. There are 35 families affected by the flood at this point and evacuation tents have been established.

Floods that inundate settlements and plantations in Sabak Auh are at three points. The three are Dua Bandar Sungai, Sungai Tengah and Sabak Permai hamlets.

Husni also appealed to residents to always supervise their children playing. The reason is that in several areas in Riau Province that were affected by the flood, there were children who were victims and even died.

"We urge the people of Sabak Auh who are affected by the flood to always take care of our children or children. Because we get some information that there are children in three areas in Riau Province who are victims of this flood disaster. Because these children when they see the puddle are very happy," he said.

Based on a coordination meeting in Riau Province, at least 10 of the 12 regencies/cities in Riau Province are currently hit by floods. Only Dumai City and Meranti Islands Regency are safe from flooding.

"Currently there are 43 sub-districts with 192 villages affected by flooding due not only to high rainfall, but also due to overflowing rivers in several areas," he said.