Central Sulawesi BPBD: 116 People Affected by Coastal Abrasion in Bualemo, Banggai

High waves that occurred caused damage to residents’ settlements in the coastal area. Palu (ANTARA) - The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Central Sulawesi Province recorded 116 people affected by coastal abrasion in Bualemo Subdistrict, Banggai Regency. Acting Head of BPBD Central Sulawesi Asbudianto stated in Palu on Thursday that high waves struck West Longkoga Village, particularly in Hamlet I and Hamlet II, for approximately four hours, causing several residents’ homes to be damaged. “The high waves that occurred caused damage to residents’ settlements in the coastal area,” he said. BPBD Central Sulawesi has coordinated with the Quick Reaction Team (TRC) of Banggai Regency BPBD and conducted field assessments for handling in the affected locations. He detailed that 30 units of residents’ homes were damaged, including seven units with severe damage, among them two completely destroyed, 10 units with moderate damage, and 13 units with minor damage. Additionally, the sea wall in Hamlet II, spanning about 30 metres, also suffered moderate damage. “Seven families were forced to evacuate independently to safer relatives’ homes. There are no reports of fatalities in this incident,” he said. BPBD also noted several urgent needs, including blankets, clothing, disaster mitigation logistics, residents’ home repairs, and the construction of sea walls or protective embankments in Hamlet I spanning approximately 360 metres. “As of now, sea wave conditions are gradually subsiding, but the public is advised to remain alert to the potential for follow-up high waves, especially during high tides,” he said.