Latimojong Surrounded by Landslides, Air Distribution Blocked by Bad Weather

Latimojong sub-district in Luwu was surrounded by landslides. Residents were filled with worry because the rain was still falling.

DOKUMENTASI BASARNAS MAKASSAR

The dramatic evacuation above the Kaili River in Auli Barat, Luwu, South Sulawesi, on Monday (6/5/2024). The Basarnas team evacuated residents due to concerns of isolated river overflow due to continuous rainfall in the upstream region.

MAKASSAR, KOMPAS - The condition of residents is increasingly worrying on the fourth day of the landslide disaster in Latimojong District, Luwu, South Sulawesi. Continuous rain caused another landslide which worsened the situation. The distribution of aid was also hindered by the often foggy weather.

Logistic supplies in residents' homes are starting to run low. This is because the disaster happened on Friday (3/5/2024) which coincided with the day of the market. Usually, residents shop for various necessities for a week on market day which is held in two villages. The electricity supply has been cut off since the beginning of the landslide. The stock of fuel to power the generator is also running low.

"To be honest, we are all worried. It keeps raining non-stop. It stops for a while, then rains again. There have been many new landslides. The old landslide areas are getting worse because the soil and rocks keep moving further away. About 100 meters from my house, there are many cracks on the cliffs. We don't know where to go. We hope to be evacuated," said Hj Netty (53) in Ulusalu Village when contacted by phone on Monday (May 6th, 2024) afternoon.

Netty stated that villages in Latimojong are not only isolated from Belopa, the capital of Luwu, but also between villages. Many villages are far apart and inaccessible due to road damage. Even, health centers and several evacuation centers have become unsafe because the surrounding cliffs and slopes are starting to collapse.

MEDIA CENTRE POSKO INDUK TANGGAP DARURAT BANJIR-LONGSOR SULSEL

Aerial photos showing one area in Latimojong District, Luwu, South Sulawesi, on Monday (5/6/2024). Settlements in this area are surrounded by landslides.

Currently, with the constant rain and worsened by the electricity cut since Friday, residents are increasingly restless. Communication networks are largely disrupted and only exist in several points. Even those are sporadic.

"We rely on candles and oil lamps for lighting. To charge our mobile phone batteries, we use our neighbor's generator. Tonight is the last night the generator can be turned on because it has run out of fuel. It won't work tomorrow."

Also read: Helicopter Lands in Latimojong Bringing Aid and Evacuating Residents

Nila Zainuddin (30), a resident who was evacuated from Latimojong to Belopa on Sunday (5/5/2024), hopes for additional helicopters. "Currently, there are only two and it is limited because it is always foggy after 12 PM. Meanwhile, there are many villages scattered around the mountain. Helicopter landing is only available at Dusun Rante Lajang and not all villages can be connected to the helicopter landing due to landslides everywhere," she said.

The Head of the South Sulawesi Regional Disaster Management Agency, Amson Padolo, acknowledged that the weather conditions in Latimojong have limited the duration of helicopter flights. However, with two helicopters, the maximum amount of aid that can be carried is only 1 ton for the helicopter owned by the Air Force and half a ton for the police-owned helicopter.

DOKUMENTASI PEMPROV SULSEL

An helicopter belonging to the Hasanuddin Air Force Base brought aid to Latimojong District, Luwu, South Sulawesi on Sunday (5/5/2024). The helicopter finally landed after several previous unsuccessful attempts due to bad weather.

"The most that (a plane) can fly is two to three times. After that, it becomes foggy again. Of course, the safety of everyone must be considered. We are trying all efforts, including going by land," he said.

Also read: 14 people died in Luwu, 3,000 Latimojong residents isolated

For aid by land, with the involvement of four-wheel drive car communities, rice aid and various necessities are being distributed.

There are two routes from Belopa to Latimojong, namely through Kadundung Village and Rante Balla. Both of these routes have been cut off due to landslides. Kadundung is the closest village to the Latimojong area. However, from this village, the bridge and road are broken. The river below it has overflowed.

"Volunteer friends are trying to reach Kadundung. Assistance will be attempted there by crossing the river with ropes or boats. After that, it will be carried relay-style either on foot or on a two-wheeled vehicle," said Amson.

DOKUMENTASI BASARNAS MAKASSAR

Aerial photo showing the trans-Sulawesi route in Sidrap and Wajo Regencies, South Sulawesi, submerged by flood, Friday (3/5/2024).

Road and bridge repairs have also been attempted. "Bailey bridge has been prepared," said the Luwu Public Works Office Head. He added that it takes at least 10 days for equipment mobilization and installation.

Not only in Latimojong, but in Wajo, the impacts of flooding are also still felt by residents. Mud covering most of the surface in the Siwa area has hindered the distribution of aid. Several areas can only be accessed quickly by helicopter. About 12,000 residents are affected in this area.

In the capital of Luwu and its surrounding areas, the conditions of some regions are starting to become conducive. In areas where the water has receded, residents are starting to clean their houses. However, in several locations, there are also residents who are isolated due to the overflow of rivers surrounding their settlements. This includes several villages in the districts of Suli and Suli Barat.

"Today we evacuated a number of residents because their village location was isolated due to flooding. They were moved from the left side of the Kaili River to the right side of the river because the intensity of rain upstream was increasing and there were fears they would be trapped by flooding. "Among those we evacuated were babies and toddlers," said Andi Sultan, Head of the Operations and Alert Section Basarnas Makassar.

Also read: Floods and landslides hit a number of districts in South Sulawesi

DOKUMENTASI BASARNAS MAKASSAR

Makassar Basarnas rescue team evacuates residents by crossing the Kaili River in West Suli, Luwu, South Sulawesi, Monday (6/5/2024).

The evacuation process took quite a long time due to the strong current of the river. Evacuation was carried out using stretchers tied to ropes stretched over the river.