Flood and Landslide Devastate Indonesia's Sulawesi Island, Claiming 14 Lives

On May 3, 2024, a devastating flood and landslide struck Wajo Regency in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, claiming the lives of 14 people and affecting over 1,000 houses. The disaster, triggered by torrential rain that pounded the area since Thursday, also displaced more than 100 residents.

Why this matters: This disaster highlights the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events in Indonesia, which can have devastating consequences for localasyarakat and the environment. It also underscores the need for more effective disaster preparedness and response measures to mitigate the impact of such events.

The flash flood and landslide hit several areas in Wajo Regency, Sidrap Regency, and Luwu Regency from Thursday evening to Friday afternoon. The worst impact was reported in Wajo and Luwu, where 91 people survived, and 7 people died. Dozens of houses were flooded, leaving hundreds of families displaced.

In total, six districts in South Sulawesi were affected by the floods and landslides, including Wajo, Luwu, Enrekang, Sidrap, Pinrang, and Sinjai. The most severe incidents occurred in Luwu, particularly in the Latimojong, Suli, and Belopa districts. In Wajo, the connecting road to Luwu, Sidrap, and Enrekang was submerged in the Siwa-Kera region.

Amson Padolo, Head of the South Sulawesi Regional Disaster Management Agency, stated, "We are still gathering information on the number of casualties. There is information about six residents buried in Luwu and also some who were swept away as their homes were carried by the floodwaters."

The floods and landslides were caused by moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning, thunder, and strong winds in several areas of South Sulawesi. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) estimated that these conditions would persist until noon on May 3, 2024.

Joint search and rescue personnel are still evacuating residents to safe places, and definite data related to the victims and affected areas are still being collected. The Trans-Sulawesi axis route in the area was paralyzed until Friday evening, with five bridges damaged or swept away by floods and several sections of roads cut off due to landslides.

Dozens of rescue teams from Basarnas Makassar, Bone, and Palopo offices were deployed to carry out evacuations. The Acting Governor of South Sulawesi, Bahtiar Baharuddin, asked all relevant agencies to intervene and assist residents affected by the disaster.

This incident is not an isolated event, as consecutive landslides and flash floods have continued to occur in South Sulawesi since mid-April, resulting in 31 recorded fatalities. The disaster is part of a larger weather phenomenon affecting Indonesia, with hot temperatures and heavy rains occurring simultaneously in different regions, exacerbated by global warming, according to experts from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Theflood and landslidein Wajo, South Sulawesi, serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of extreme weather events in Indonesia. As rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the damage is assessed, the nation mourns the loss of life and rallies to support those affected by this tragedy.

Key Takeaways

• Flood and landslide in South Sulawesi, Indonesia kill 14 people and affect 1,000+ houses.
• Six districts in South Sulawesi affected, with Wajo and Luwu worst hit.
• Disaster triggered by torrential rain, lightning, and strong winds.
• Joint search and rescue efforts underway to evacuate residents and assess damage.
• Incident highlights increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events in Indonesia.