Storm evacuees to return home

Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon

Hundreds of people who had their homes damaged by strong winds in Cirebon regency started to return home Friday after living in makeshift tents and government facilities.

Their homes were damaged after gales swept through six villages in Losari district on Monday and Tuesday.

Losari district chief Teguh Supriyadi said the evacuees numbered around 100 families on Tuesday, which was a significant drop from the previous day's total of 300.

"They have to take refuge because they cannot yet repair their houses," said Teguh.

Only 30 families were still living at the tents as of Friday as their houses, which were heavily damaged by the storm, were repaired.

The Cirebon regency administration assured residents they would be provided with assistance this week to restore and repair their homes.

"We are still assessing damages and will disburse aid in the near future. I assure you funds will be disbursed this week," said Cirebon Regent Dedi Supardi.

The administration has promised to compensate Rp 5 million (approximately US$550) for each destroyed or badly damaged house, while providing a total of Rp 150 million in aid for slightly damaged homes.

Dedi said aid would not be in the form of cash, but building materials.

"We will provide building materials so residents can immediately repair their damaged homes. We have made an inventory of those who are entitled to receive aid," said Dedi.

A total 312 houses were damaged by strong winds, 292 of which were slightly damaged and 20 others that were badly damaged, some of them leveled to the ground.

Torrential rains, followed by strong winds on Dec. 3 and 4, damaged at least 312 houses in six villages in Losari district. Twenty of them either collapsed or were badly damaged.

The worst-hit area was Kalisari village, where 260 houses were slightly damaged and 18 others either leveled or badly damaged.

Seven people were injured and had to seek treatment at the Losari community health center and Gunung Jati district hospital.

"They were injured by falling debris. Most of them suffered slight injuries, such as bruises, and have undergone treatment in community clinics and hospitals," said Teguh.

Kalisari village secretary Badrudin said the storm started to wreck havoc on Monday night when heavy rains, followed by strong winds, fell from the north.

"Rain and strong winds were blowing very fast and lifting off corrugated tin roofs and roof tiles, forcing people to flee from their homes," said Badrudin. JP