Landslides and floods which have hit South Bolmong and Bolmong Districts, North Sulawesi Province, since July 17, 2008, inflicted around Rp70 billion in material losses, ANTARA reported. The natural disasters have damaged public infrastructures such as roads and bridges, hundreds of houses and farming areas, Feybe Rondonuwu, a spokesman of the North Sulawesi administration, said here on Monday. The worst-hit districts included Bolaang Uki, Pinolosian Timur, and Pinolosian Tengah. The disasters also isolated Tobayagan and Posilagon villages from the rest of surrounding areas. Head of Pinolosian Timur sub district Mondo Rusdin said that the floods cut off roads, damaged dams and irrigation system, swept away seven houses, and damaged several others in his area. Material losses inflicted by the floods were estimated to reach Rp40 billion in the sub district alone, Rusdin said. In Bolang Uki, the floods and landslides damaged 12-km long road, and seriously damaged a bridge at Salongo village. In Posiganda sub district, 13 houses disappeared after being washed away the flood currents. The local authorities distributed relief aid consisting of, among other things, rice, instant noodles, clothes, and canned fish.
