REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PEKANBARU -- A toddler named Marcell was swept away by flood waters in the Tampan sub-district of Pekanbaru city, Riau Province, on Friday.
According to Rian, a witness to the event, the toddler was swept away by flood waters to a deep ditch near the residential areas at 10.00 a.m.
"We searched for Marcell until 11.30 a.m. Several people joined the search to find him," added Rian here.
Rian said Marcell was playing with his friends when he swept away by the waters.
The residents also called the search and rescue team of Pekanbaru to find Marcell.
"A team has arrived at the location to search and rescue Marcell using various kinds of equipment," Rian added. He said even divers are being used in the rescue efforts.
"We have not received any information whether the rescue team has found Marcell. The team is continuing its search," Rian pointed out.
The heavy rains on Friday have caused floods in Pekanbaru city and Kampar district.
At least 12 sub-districts in Pekanbaru city and a number of sub-districts in Kampar district were inundated by waters of varying depths.
Several sub-districts of Tampan, Tenayan Raya, Rumbai, Rumbai Pesisir, Limapuluh Kota, Senapelan, Sukajadi, Sail, Payung Sekaki, Pekanbaru Kota and Marpoyan Damai, as well as Bukit Raya have been innundated.
The floodwaters also submerged areas in Kampar district, particularly in the Siak Hulu sub-district, which is on the border of Marpoyan Damai sub-district in Pekanbaru city.
Thousands of homes have been flooded and day-to-day activities have been disrupted because of the incessant rains.