Heavy rains lashing Indonesia’s Sulawesi island since Thursday culminated in a deadly disaster on Saturday. A landslide triggered by the torrential downpour struck Luwu district in South Sulawesi province, claiming the lives of 14 people. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of Indonesia, an archipelago nation, to natural hazards.
Mexianus Bekabel, head of the Makassar search and rescue office, confirmed the fatalities. The relentless rain loosened the soil, causing a landslide that wreaked havoc in the district. But the destructive power of nature wasn’t limited to landslides. The relentless rain also led to widespread flooding, affecting 13 sub-districts. Floodwaters surged up to 3 meters (10 feet) in some areas, submerging houses and turning streets into muddy rivers.
The impact on homes was significant. Over 1,000 houses were damaged by the floods and landslides, with 42 completely destroyed and swept away. Rescue teams scrambled to evacuate residents using rubber boats and other available vehicles. Many displaced residents sought shelter in mosques or with relatives in unaffected areas.
Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Agency, reported that over 100 people had been evacuated. He also noted Indonesia’s unfortunate familiarity with such disasters. Seasonal downpours frequently trigger landslides and floods in the island nation. The mountainous landscape and the presence of fertile floodplains put millions living in these areas at constant risk. In fact, just a month prior, landslides triggered by heavy rains had killed 20 people in Tana Toraja district, another part of South Sulawesi province.
The Indonesian authorities are likely working to assess the extent of the damage and provide relief to the affected communities. This recent disaster serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies in Indonesia, a nation constantly battling the forces of nature.
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