Flash Floods Washed Away 29 Houses And Destroyed A Bridge In Bolaang Mongondow Selatan

Banjir Bandang (Source: BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center)

JAKARTA - Flash floods washed away at least 29 houses in Bolaang Mongondow Selatan Regency, North Sulawesi on Saturday, August 1. In addition, 64 houses and one bridge were severely damaged.

The Fast Reaction Team (TRC) of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Bolsel Regency reported that the disaster occurred after heavy rains flushed most of the Bolsel area since Friday, July 31, 18.45 to 21.05 WITA.

As a result, several rivers overflowed and caused water to enter residential areas. The rivers that overflowed include the Bolangaso River, the Toluaya River, the Salongo River, the Nunuka River, the Mongolidia River, the Milangodaadan River and several other rivers.

Based on temporary data, flash floods affected 1,032 families / 3,188 people in Bolaang Uki District, 223 families / 870 people in Helumo District and 62 families / 250 people in Tomini District. Overall, the 1,327 families / 4,308 people were divided into eleven villages and three sub-districts including Salongo Village, Toluya Village, Soguo Village and West Salongo Village in Bolaang Uki District.

Apart from that, the flood also hit Biniha Village, South Biniha Village, Halabolu Village and Sinandaka Village in Helumo District. Furthermore, Pakuku Jaya Village, Milangodaa Village and West Milangodaa Village in Tomini District.

Banjir Bandang (Source: BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center)

Currently TRC BPBD Bolsel Regency continues to carry out rapid assessments, prepare evacuation sites, establish field public kitchens, prepare logistics for basic necessities and clean water. In addition, heavy equipment was also deployed by TRC BPBD Bolsel Regency to clean up debris from landslides and flash floods.

A number of stakeholders, such as the BPBD Agency, Social Service, Public Works Service, BPBD Volunteers, SAR Team, Tagana, Health Service and PMI Bolsel Regency have mobilized all components to accelerate disaster emergency response in South Bolang Mongondow Regency.

The latest condition reported from the location per Saturday, August 1 at 16.00 WITA, rain with high intensity is still happening. There have been no reports of casualties as of this press release.

Meanwhile, according to the weather forecast of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), heavy rain accompanied by lightning still has the potential to occur in North Sulawesi and Gorontalo until Sunday, August 2.

In addition, other areas that also have the potential for heavy rain accompanied by lightning according to BMKG are North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, North Kalimantan, North Maluku, West Papua and Papua.

Therefore, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) appealed to all local government agencies to coordinate and increase awareness and make efforts to reduce disaster risks that can be triggered by these weather factors.