December 02, 2011
Medan. Authorities are having a hard time delivering food and medicine to isolated areas cut off by the flood and landslide in South Nias on Wednesday.
“The road to the landslide-affected areas in Baruje village and six other villages in Mazo district are currently unpassable by vehicles,” Henny Duha, the secretary of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPPD) of South Nias district, said on Friday.
Raging waters destroyed the bridge spanning Susua River on Thursday, while roads leading from the bridge to the disaster locations have also been blocked by the landslide.
Four students were also killed in the landslide, which buried at least 37 homes and damaged several vehicles, and another man swept away by floodwaters.
“The only way to reach the affected villages is to walk about seven kilometers,” Henny added.
Search and rescue team officers, soldiers and police officers have been deployed to the area since Wednesday to assist the victims.
“An emergency post has been set up in the disaster site to assist the injured,” he said.
Victims who suffered serious injuries have been taken to the Mazo health center for treatment. At least five have been referred to the general hospital in Teluk Dalam, the capital of South Nias.
“We will continue to try our best so that we can send more help as soon as possible,” he said.
He also said heavy rain in the area has been hampering the relief process.
(honestly borrowed from the JG)
vr 2 dec 2011 - 16:47