Floods inundate four villages in Bolaang Mongondow, affecting 601 people

The North Sulawesi Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported four villages in Bolaang Mongondow Regency, North Sulawesi, were submerged by flash floods following heavy rainfall, affecting 181 households or 601 people.

“According to the latest data as of Friday (29 May), 134 houses were affected, with a total of 181 households or 601 people impacted by the flash floods which began on Wednesday (27 May),” said North Sulawesi BPBD Chief Adolf Tamengkel in a statement on Saturday (30 May).

The floods were triggered by moderate to heavy rainfall that hit Bolaang Mongondow on Wednesday (27 May), causing the Botuk River to overflow.

“The river overflow carried mud, wood, and debris into residential areas, with water levels ranging from 1 to 1.5 metres,” he added.

Adolf stated that the four affected villages are Solimandungan I, Solimandungan II, Solimandungan Baru, and Komangaan.

“Solimandungan II was the most severely affected village, with 103 houses and 460 people impacted. There were also two severely damaged houses, two moderately damaged, eight slightly damaged, and one severely damaged shop,” he said.

Meanwhile, Solimandungan I had 19 houses and 89 people affected, including 11 toddlers and six elderly residents.

“In Komangaan, 11 houses and 48 people were affected. Solimandungan Baru had only one house impacted,” he added.

Additionally, Adolf noted that public facilities such as places of worship and educational institutions were also affected by the floods.

“Local authorities, alongside the military, police, BPBD, and the community, continue to clear mud and accumulated wood debris from residential areas,” he said.