Adinda Jasmine Prasetyo, Jakarta – North Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi Province, was hit by flooding on Thursday, May 23, 2024, due to heavy downpours which caused the Baliase River to overflow at around 11:30 p.m. local time.
National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) operation control center reported Friday that the flood affected 812 people or 437 households. Water inundated four villages in Mappedeceng District; Kapidi Village, Cendana Putih 2 Village, Ujung Mattajeng Village, and Tara Tallu Village.
"According to the initial assessment, 437 houses were submerged in water between 30 and 100 centimeters," said Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari.
The flood also damaged four educational facilities, eight places of worship, a village office, and 200 hectares of residents' agricultural land. North Luwu Regency BPBD together with the police and military personnel and volunteers evacuated the residents to safer places.
Meanwhile, the North Luwu Regency Government has extended the emergency status for flooding for 90 days, valid from April 7 to July 5, 2024. Based on visual reports, the flood has started to recede. However, BMKG forecast the North Luwu Regency to experience some rain for the next two days.
"BNPB urges residents to stay prepared and aware of potential risks of hydrometeorological disasters," he said. "Residents who live near the river are expected to evacuate independently to safer places in case of long showers."
Furthermore, as the region has entered the transition season, BNPB also advises the public to monitor weather forecasts via InfoBMKG and understand potential disaster risks via the BNPB InaRISK page.