Joint team intensively handles flash floods in Bone

Makassar (ANTARA) - Intensive handling of the flash floods that have struck several areas in Bone Regency, South Sulawesi, continues with a joint team assisting in the evacuation of residents and the distribution of emergency aid. “Personnel from Basarnas, BPBD, TNI-Polri, Brimob, Satpol PP, to volunteers have been deployed to help evacuate affected residents and distribute emergency aid at the flood locations,” said the Head of Operations for Basarnas Sulsel, Andi Sultan, in Makassar on Saturday. He stated that the floods, caused by heavy rain accompanied by high tides, have submerged hundreds of residents’ homes in the Tanete Riattang and Tanete Riattang Timur sub-districts. The water level in some locations has been reported to reach two metres, paralysing community activities and trapping many residents inside their homes. Several residents have also been relocated to safer locations to avoid the risk of subsequent floods. In addition to evacuation, officers are distributing logistical aid in the form of ready-to-eat food, clean water, blankets, and other emergency needs to the affected residents. A disaster alert post has been established to facilitate coordination of handling and victim data collection. Andi Sultan said the floods were triggered by high rainfall coinciding with high sea levels, causing water flow to be obstructed and overflow into residential areas. Officers are still on standby in several vulnerable locations to anticipate unstable weather conditions. In the incident, two residents were reported dead. The local government, together with the joint team, is now focusing on accelerating the handling of flood impacts and ensuring that the basic needs of the affected community are fulfilled.