BNPB: Heavy Machinery Needed for Poso Flood Response

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has stated that flood response efforts following the collapse of a river embankment in Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi, require logistical support in the form of heavy machinery to accelerate physical recovery on the ground.

Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB’s Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre, said on Sunday in Jakarta that the deployment of heavy machinery is urgently needed to clear flood debris and begin emergency infrastructure reconstruction.

‘Poso Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), in coordination with Central Sulawesi Provincial BPBD, has conducted a rapid assessment at the site. The immediate needs include heavy machinery for debris clearance and new embankment construction,’ he said.

Abdul explained that this hydro-meteorological disaster affected downstream areas after heavy rainfall hit the upstream region since Saturday (30/5) around 5:00 PM WITA. The high water volume caused a sudden surge in the Betalemba River, breaching the barrier structure and triggering flash floods in the Betalemba Village settlement of South Poso Coast District.

The collapse of the embankment impacted domestic and public infrastructure sectors, with 25 households temporarily isolated due to flooded homes. In addition to submerging 25 residential units, the floodwaters damaged a key village road serving as the local transport artery and destroyed the river embankment structure.