Visit Sigi Flood Victims, Social Minister Risma Asks Refugee Locations To Stay Standing Until December 2022

Social Minister Tri Rismaharini visited the evacuation sites for flood-affected residents in North Pakuli Village, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi.

SULTENG - Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos) Tri Rismaharini visited the evacuation site for flood-affected residents in North Pakuli Village, Gumbasa District, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi (Sulteng), Wednesday 7 September.

"I ask the refugee camps to remain here until the end of December 2022, along with the potential for heavy rains for Indonesia, including Central Sulawesi," said Risma in Pakuli, quoted from Antara, Wednesday, September 7.

At least 182 families or 662 people were affected by the flood caused by the overflow of the Gumbasa River in Pakuli Village. The overflow of the river was due to heavy rains that occurred from Monday 5 September afternoon, until Tuesday 6 September morning.

A total of 662 people began their evacuation on Tuesday, September 6. They took refuge in the courtyard of the Al-Anshar Mosque in Hamlet I, Pakuli Village.

Risma saw firsthand the condition of the public kitchen, refugee tents, logistics tents, and had a dialogue with the refugees and distributed logistical assistance.

The Minister of Social Affairs also distributed to refugees in the courtyard of the mosque. In addition, it also distributes logistical assistance to children and babies in refugee camps, and asks them to remain vigilant.

On that occasion, the Minister of Social Affairs asked the Regional Secretary of Central Sulawesi Province Rudy Dewanto, Sigi Regent Mohamad Irwan, to temporarily determine the location as a gathering and evacuation point, because heavy rain will still occur, even the peak of rain will occur in November - December 2022, based on BMKG information.

"When it rains they have to stay at this location until February 2023 to be completely safe from the threat of flooding," he said.

He said the Ministry of Social Affairs provided logistical support for refugees while they were in the refugee camps until that time.

"Cends and logistical support are prepared for residents, so if it rains, residents come here immediately," he said.

Social Minister Risma accompanied by Sigi Regent Mohamad Irwan, Deputy Regent Samuel Pongi, Secretary of Central Sulawesi Province Rudy Dewanto. During the visit, Risma was carried by her aide using a two-wheeled vehicle to the evacuation site from the Gumbasa bridge.

Risma had to ride a two-wheeled vehicle, because the bridge was broken, four-wheeled vehicles could not pass. Risma also saw firsthand the condition of the Gumbasa River during the visit.