Flooding in Makassar Worsens, 545 Residents Displaced to Mosques and Schools
Flooding in Makassar, South Sulawesi, has worsened, inundating residential areas in the Manggala and Biringkanaya sub-districts. As of Wednesday (February 25th), 545 residents from 169 families have been displaced to several mosques and schools serving as emergency shelters.
According to data from the Makassar Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the number of displaced people has increased significantly in the last 24 hours. Six evacuation centers have been established to accommodate the affected residents. The Biringkanaya sub-district has the highest number of displaced people, with 140 families or 482 individuals. In the Manggala sub-district, 29 families or 90 individuals are taking shelter.
In Biringkanaya, the displaced are spread across several locations, including the Lailatul Qadar BTP Blok AF Mosque in Katimbang Village (67 families or 232 individuals), the Nurul Ikhlas Mosque in Katimbang Village (40 families or 133 individuals), the Paccerakkang Elementary School in Katimbang Village (24 families or 86 individuals), and the Al Ramun Mosque in Paccerakkang Village (9 families or 31 individuals).
In Manggala, the displaced are being accommodated at the Jabal Nur Mosque in Manggala Village (12 families or 36 individuals) and the Yuda Alfatih Mosque (7 families or 27 individuals).
Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin, also known as Appi, visited the displaced residents in the Antang Blok 10 housing complex to ensure they receive adequate assistance, especially during the month of Ramadan.
“There are 12 families taking shelter here. The water level inside the houses is about knee-high. We are ensuring that they receive maximum assistance, especially for infants and the elderly,” said Appi at the Jabal Nur Mosque.
He also inspected the availability of logistics, rest areas, and food for breaking the fast and for the pre-dawn meal. Appi instructed the BPBD, Social Service, sub-district heads, and village heads to be on standby 24 hours a day.
“A rapid response must be provided when residents need it,” he emphasized.
Appi affirmed that emergency response is not the only focus of the city government. An evaluation of the drainage system and mitigation measures is being prepared to prevent future flooding.
“We are looking for long-term solutions. The evaluation of the drainage system and disaster mitigation will be a serious concern,” he concluded.
The Head of the Makassar BPBD, M Fadli Tahar, stated that his agency is continuing to carry out evacuations and monitor the condition of the displaced.
“Basic needs such as food, clean water, and health services are being ensured. Coordination between agencies is being strengthened while waiting for the weather to improve and the water to recede,” said Fadli.
Currently, several roads in Makassar are still flooded with water levels reaching 30 centimeters.
Meanwhile, the Makassar BMKG has warned of the potential for heavy rain and strong winds in the coming days. Forecaster Rezki Yudha stated that the Makassar, Gowa, Maros, Pangkep, Barru, Parepare, and Takalar regions are at risk of experiencing moderate to heavy rain.
The BMKG also advised the public to increase vigilance against the potential for flooding and landslides, especially in the Luwu, Pinrang, Enrekang, Sidrap, Soppeng, and western and southern coastal areas of South Sulawesi.