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Monday, 25 December 2006, 16:26 GMT

Bid to save Sumatra flood victims

Flooded area in Aceh A big rescue operation is under way in Indonesia to help survivors of flash floods in northern Sumatra.

At least 80 people have died following heavy rains in recent days and hundreds more are still missing.

In the worst-affected districts of Aceh and North Sumatra, whole villages have been inundated, with residents left stranded on higher ground.

About 1,000 soldiers have been sent, along with food, blankets, tents and other emergency supplies.

The BBC's Lucy Williamson in Jakarta says the focus is now on evacuating those still trapped.

The governor of Aceh province said military ships and helicopters have been deployed to deliver aid and rescue people from remote areas.

Map More than 100,000 people have been forced from their homes across northern Sumatra.

Tens of thousands are now living in government shelters.

Others are camping out in mosques or with friends.

Rain has now stopped falling over the affected regions.

Heavy flooding is an annual problem in Indonesia.

However, officials say the damage has been made worse by illegal logging which leaves the country's coastline exposed.




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Related to this story:
Java villages drown in mud lake (05 Oct 06 |  Asia-Pacific )
Indonesia to divert mud into sea (27 Sep 06 |  Asia-Pacific )
Mud flood threatens Java residents (17 Aug 06 |  Asia-Pacific )
Country profile: Indonesia (18 Oct 06 |  Country profiles )

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