Floods sparked by torrential rain have wreaked havoc and destruction on islands stretching from Flores in Indonesia to Timor-Leste, sending thousands fleeing into shelters."There are 55 dead, but this number is very dynamic and will definitely change, while some 42 people are still missing," Indonesia disaster management agency spokesman Raditya Djati told broadcaster MetroTV.
"The evacuees are spread out. There are hundreds in each sub district but many others are staying at home," said Alfons Hada Bethan, head of the East Flores disaster agency.Pounding rains challenged efforts to find any survivors.In Lembata, an island halfway between Flores and Timor-Leste, parts of affected villages were displaced down a mountain slope and near the coastline.
Earlier, road access had been cut off and local officials were forced to deploy heavy equipment to reopen the roads.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
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