HST flood: Five bodies found, many houses damaged in Hantakan

Barabai, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - When the severe flood hit Central Hulu Sungai (HST), people in Hantakan Village, Hantakan Sub-district, found five bodies.

"We have found five bodies. May be residents of upstream," ujar said Acting Chief of Hantakan Village Sri Winda to ANTARA journalist who took part in distributing logistics, Friday afternoon (Jan 15,2021).

She recounted that many residents witnessed when a victim had drifted away, waving hand, and asked for help.

A local community figure, Muhammad Rifani, estimated there still bodies were not found.

"Death toll maybe tenth, while we have found five. The report of missing people has not been verified. While we are here distributing logistics," said the man who familiarly called Datu Manggasang.

Information from residents the flood hit the village on Thursday at 22.00. Many people could only save themselves and their families to the highland.

"I could only save my baby here (evacuation). Our house was destroyed only stumps left," said a woman with her baby.

Hantakan Village, which is on the riverbank, was ruined, public facilities, markets, and many houses were destroyed, leaving rubble behind.

The roar of water could still be heard as it receded. While residents were cleaning their belongings from mud in the house.

The community health center of Hantakan has become a place of evacuation as well as the main post command in the Hantakan Sub-district.

"There are about 300 residents of Hantakan village which is now completely collapsed. Alhamdulillah, today many assistance coming, may be because the access road can be accessed to here. yes, logistics are really needed," said Sri Winda.

"We still need assistance, especially rice, instant noodle, babies needs, and clean water. clothes are enough, except perhaps underwear for women," said Datu Manggasang.

Flood in HST had also caused a blackout, communication through cellular down. Many volunteers came to the district.