Indonesia – Floods in South Sulawesi Leave at Least 16 Dead

Heavy rain continues to fall in parts of Indonesia, causing flooding and landslides across several provinces which have left at least 17 dead and over 40 missing since 11 July. The worst of the flooding is in North Luwu Regency in South Sulawesi Province, where at least 16 people have died.

Floods in North Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi Province. Photo: BPBD of North Luwu Regency

Previously at least 5 major incidents of flooding were reported in the country during the first days of July following heavy rain unusual for this time of year.

South Sulawesi

Severe flash flooding hit several districts of North Luwu Regency in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia on 13 July 2020.

Heavy rain in the areas caused the Masamba, Rongkang and Sungai Rada rivers to overflow. According to local disaster authorities (North Luwu Regency BPBD), almost 5,000 families have been affected in the districts of Masamba, Sabbang, Baebunta, South Baebunta, Malangke and West Malangke. Hundreds of homes have been damaged.

Search and rescue operations and relief efforts have been hampered by difficult conditions, with road access to the affected areas blocked by mud. However, initial assessments say 16 people have died and 46 are thought to be missing. Ten people were injured and referred to the Masamba Regional Hospital.

Other areas of the province has been affected by flooding over the last few days. On 09 July, floods in Luwu Regency damaged homes and affected 2,970 families. Flooding was reported in the districts of Larompong, South Larompong, Suli, Bua, West Suli and Ponrang.

On 06 July flooding struck in Wajo Regency in South Sulawesi Province . According to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), 719 homes were damaged, affecting 2,938 people. Kendari in Southeast Sulawesi Province recorded 89mm of rain in 24 hours to 06 July.

North Sumatra

Several incidents of flooding and landslides have been reported in North Sumatra Province over the last few days.

One person died in flash flooding in Pematangsiantar on 11 July. On the same day, landslides occurred in Simalungun Regency affecting 7 families. In a separate incident, one person was injured and 3 families displaced after a landslide in Bangun Purba.

South Kalimantan

Flooding up to 1 metres deep was reported in Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan on 11 July. Flood waters submerged 1,349 homes affecting 5,112 people.