Floods and landslides hit Ambon and its environs following incessant heavy rains falling in Maluku's capital city since Friday. Hundreds of houses at Batumerah, Kadewatan, Tanah Tinggi, Batugajah, Waihaong, Passo, and Lateri areas were flooded, ANTARA reported. Landslides struck Tantui and Halong areas, causing severe traffic jams reaching hundreds of meters. Floods were also reported at Karang Panjang, Batu Meja, Batugajah, Bere-Bere, Halong, and Mangga Dua areas. A tree was uprooted and blocked Sudirman street. The heavy downpours also caused several rivers to overflow and submerged hundreds of houses. The floods also swept away solid wastes into Ambon Bay. The Maluku disaster mitigation office with cooperation with the local public works and social affairs offices, started to distribute relief aid. Kilfy Wakanno, secretary of the Maluku administration, urged flood and landslide victims to evacuate to safer areas. A landslide also hit Leitimur Selatan (Letisel) sub district, and disrupted transportation routes at Hatale, Naku, Kilag and Hulurila. Kilfy confirmed that there was no report of casualty in the disaster. Early this month, a flood and landslide killed one and damaged two houses and several bridges in Maluku.
