Massive flooding and landslides, believed to be caused by torrential rain, hit several areas in South Sulawesi yesterday, the latest in a series of deadly natural disasters to hit Indonesia.
According to official reports, as of this afternoon at least 26 people have been confirmed dead, two of them infants. Dozens of others are still missing and rescue efforts are still underway.
Most of the deceased victims were found buried under the rubble from landslides, while one victim reportedly died of electrocution.
The regencies of Gowa, Maros, and Jeneponto have been hit the hardest. Gowa Regent Adnan Purichta Ichsan said rescue efforts, consisting of local authorities and members of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), have been hampered by poor terrain conditions and damaged roads.
“Heavy equipments still cannot function at capacity, there are about 20 people still buried by the landslide,” Adnan said today, as quoted by Okezone.
Infrastructure in the area also took a considerable hit after four bridges collapsed after being hit by the flood. That said, locals aren’t trapped in affected areas as access to evacuation zones are still available.
More than 3,000 people have been displaced from their homes because of the disaster. They have been evacuated to temporary refuge posts including community clinics (puskesmas), government offices and mosques.
