14 people died in Luwu, 3,000 Latimojong residents isolated
The death toll from floods and landslides in Luwu has increased. Hundreds of houses were swept away and 3,000 residents were isolated.
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By
RENY SRI AYU ARMAN
·3 minutes read
MAKASSAR, KOMPAS - The number of casualties from landslides and flash floods in Luwu regency, South Sulawesi, has risen to 14 people. Meanwhile, at the foot of Mount Latimojong, 3,000 residents are isolated due to the severed access to the area.
The latest data released by the Luwu Regional Disaster Management Agency stated that there were 14 fatalities, consisting of eight people in the Latimojong District and six people in the Suli Barat District. Meanwhile, two other residents in Suli Barat are still missing. With one victim swept away by floods in Sidrap, a total of 15 casualties have been recorded due to floods and landslides that hit six districts in South Sulawesi since Friday (May 3, 2024).
Acting Governor of South Sulawesi Bahtiar Baharuddin inspected the location of the flood in Luwu early Saturday morning. He ensured that all flood victims, including refugees, would be handled well, starting from food supplies, clothing and medicine.
"Until now, there is still one area in Luwu, namely the Latimojong District, which based on the report from the Dandim Luwu, cannot be accessed. This is due to a broken bridge and landslide. There are approximately 3,000 residents scattered in several hamlets and villages above, who are still isolated," said Bahtiar.
He said that he has coordinated with the Sulsel Regional Police and the Commander of Lanud Hasanuddin to request assistance from a helicopter to supply aid to residents isolated at the foot of Mount Latimojong.
"We have received news that a helicopter is moving from the South Sulawesi Regional Police. The Chief of Police is also moving towards Luwu. We have also coordinated with Hasanuddin Air Force Base to move helicopters to supply aid in the form of food, clothing, and medicine. We hope that all residents remain calm, especially in the Latimojong District," added Bahtiar.
Floods and landslides have struck six regencies in South Sulawesi, namely Luwu, Sidrap, Wajo, Wnrekang, Pinrang, and Sinjai. Among these six areas, Luwu, Sidrap, and Wajo are the worst affected. In Luwu, 12 out of 22 sub-districts are submerged. Some areas in Sidrap and Wajo are also flooded.
In Enrekang, the road that was previously cutting off access to Sidrap, Pinrang, and Toraja is starting to open up, although traffic is not yet completely smooth.
Until now, there is still one area in Luwu, namely Latimojong District, which according to a report from Dandim Luwu is not accessible. This is because there is a broken bridge and landslide on the road. There are approximately 3,000 residents living in several hamlets and villages above, who are still isolated up to this day.
The flood disaster in Luwu caused 109 houses to be washed away and severely damaged. In addition, 1,943 other houses were submerged. Floods and landslides also damaged several buildings and public facilities, such as schools, offices, roads, and bridges.
Meanwhile, Acting Regent of Luwu Muhammad Saleh stated that the floods in several areas have started to recede. However, a number of residents are still displaced and waiting for the time to return and clean their homes.
"Hopefully, if the weather returns to normal in the next two to three days, it will be possible for residents to return to their respective homes and start the recovery process," he said.
Regarding the evacuation and search for victims, Andi Sultan, Head of Operations and Alert Office Basarnas Makassar, said that the search for the second day focused on two locations, namely in Poringan Village and Kaili Village, West Suli . For this search, five teams were deployed.
Team 1 carried out monitoring and assessment at the location using drones. Team 2 carried out a search by combing the river behind the victim's house.
As for team 3, they conducted a search with infantry combing on the left and right side of the Suli River. Team 4 searched the landslide location near the victim's house and team 5 conducted a search using a rubber boat on the Suli River.
Editor:
CHRISTOPERUS WAHYU HARYO PRIYO
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