Two villages in Kulawi, Sigi, isolated after bridge collapses due to flooding

The Central Sulawesi Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has reported that two villages, Mataue and Boladangko, in the Kulawi District, remain isolated following recent flooding.

Asbudianto, the Head of the Central Sulawesi BPBD, stated that a bridge connecting Bolapapu Village (Dusun 1) to Mataue Village (Dusun 2) has been severed. Currently, the area is only accessible on foot, significantly hindering the activities of 30 households in Dusun 2. The isolated group includes 16 vulnerable individuals, comprising four toddlers, nine elderly persons, and three people with disabilities.

While there have been no reported fatalities or displaced persons, there is an urgent need for heavy equipment to clear flood debris and to construct an emergency bridge and gabions. Local officials in Boladangko and residents have begun cleaning debris independently to restore normal activity.

The Regent of Sigi, Moh Rizal Intjenae, has instructed the Head of the Public Works Department and the local BPBD to prioritise clearing the flood materials. He also confirmed that heavy machinery has been requested to build an emergency bridge and install gabions in Kulawi to prevent further damage from potential subsequent floods.

The flooding occurred in the early hours of Sunday (17/5) due to rising river levels in Mataue and Boladangko villages, which ultimately caused the collapse of the connecting bridge.