Floods Besiege Two Districts in Southeast Sulawesi, East Kolaka Declares Emergency Status
Floods and landslides have struck two districts, namely Kolaka Regency and East Kolaka Regency, in Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra).
The East Kolaka Regency government has even declared a disaster emergency status for the floods following conditions deemed threatening and disruptive to community life in several affected areas.
This declaration is contained in the Decree of the Regent of East Kolaka Number 100.3.3.2/128 of 2026 on the Determination of the Flood Disaster Emergency Status in East Kolaka Regency.
“The emergency response status is in effect for 14 days, starting from 8 May to 22 May 2026,” said Acting Regent of East Kolaka, Yosep Sahaka, in his circular letter on Sunday (10/5).
Twelve sub-districts have been designated as areas under the flood emergency response status, namely Lambandia, Aere, Poli Polia, Dangia, Ladongi, Loea, Tirawuta, Lalolae, Tinondo, Mowewe, Uluiwoi, and Ueesi Sub-districts.
Floods besiege hundreds of homes in Kolaka
Meanwhile, flooding in Kolaka Regency has affected 587 residents’ homes.
“Floods in 9 villages in Latambaga Sub-district, Kolaka, Pomalaa, and Samaturu Sub-district. Landslides in Laloeha Village, Kolaka Sub-district,” said the Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre of BNPB, Abdul Muhari, in his statement on Sunday (10/5).
The floods and landslides occurred since Friday (8/5) after Kolaka Regency was hit by heavy rain, causing river water to overflow and inundate residents’ settlements.
“The Kolaka Regency BPBD reported that 587 housing units, 10 educational facilities, 23 hectares of rice fields, 10.5 hectares of ponds, and eight hectares of gardens were affected by the floods,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, the impact of the landslide in Laloeha Village, Kolaka Sub-district, was reported to have one resident’s house affected.
“Meanwhile, the landslide occurred in Laloeha Village, Kolaka Sub-district, affecting one housing unit,” he said.
Currently, said Muhari, the Kolaka Regency BPBD is coordinating with relevant cross-institutional agencies, deploying water pumps, and carrying out cleaning of residents’ homes affected by floods and landslides.
According to Muhari, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a forecast of potential extreme weather from 9 to 11 May 2026, with most regions of Indonesia potentially experiencing moderate to heavy rain accompanied by strong winds.
“Local governments are expected to ensure the readiness of personnel and equipment as well as conduct regular monitoring of weather conditions and disaster-prone areas,” he concluded.