Sitaro Sulut Early Monday Morning, 5 People Died

Siau - Heavy flooding hit three sub-districts in the Siau Tagulandang Biaro Islands Regency (Sitaro), North Sulawesi (Sulut), Monday, January 5, at 02.30 Wita. This disaster, triggered by extreme rainfall and strong winds, resulted in five people dying.

The affected areas include the Siau Timur, Siau Timur Selatan, and Siau Barat districts. The flood material in the form of mud, boulders, and tree trunks closed vital access, including the road connecting Bahu Village to Pangirolong.

The commander of the 1301-02/Siau Danramil (Danramil) Captain Inf Steven Tedy Joseph reported that the damage was quite massive at vulnerable points such as Sondangbahu and Bumbiha. In addition to claiming human lives, five houses were reported missing swept away by the current.

"Preliminary data records five residents died, 14 were injured, and eight people are still missing. The team is trying to search for them at the location," said Steven through an official statement.

Dandim 1301/Sangihe Letkol Czi Nazarudin has instructed the TNI to help evacuate and clean materials on isolation routes. The main priority at this time is to open transportation access so that logistical and medical assistance can enter the villages that were covered by landslides.

The current weather conditions in the Sitaro Islands are still fluctuating. The local government appeals to residents along the riverbanks and hillsides to remain alert to the potential for subsequent flooding that could occur at any time.