Manado Hit By Floods And Landslides, 1 Resident Died

Floods in Manado (Photo: DOK BNPB)

JAKARTA - Floods and landslides hit Manado City, North Sulawesi Province on Friday, January 21 this morning. As a result of this hydrometeorological disaster, one resident died. Plt. Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Abdul Muhari said this disaster was caused by heavy rains in Manado and caused the Tondano River to overflow. "Flooding at several points is unavoidable so dozens of houses are submerged with water levels of 80 to 300 cm. Flood-inundated areas occur in five sub-districts, namely Paal Dua, Tuminting, Sario, Wenang and Singkil sub-districts," Abdul Muhari said in his statement, Friday, January 27. Meanwhile, landslides hit six sub-districts. Landslides were identified in Paal Dua, Singkil, Tikala, Bunaken, Wanea and Tuminting sub-districts. A total of 33 housing units were affected by landslides. However, BPBD has not detailed the level of impact of the damage. This disaster also caused dozens of families to flee. Temporary data on the needs of the affected residents, including mattresses, blankets, clothes, family kits, and ready-to-eat food. "As of this afternoon, officers from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and other relevant agencies are still making emergency handling efforts, such as evacuation and evaluation of needs. Even though BPBD has recorded affected families, there is no information regarding the evacuation posts being activated," he said. Based on the analysis of the potential for ground movement for January 2023 from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, the Manado City area has the potential for medium to high ground movement in several sub-districts. Paal Dua, Singkul, Wanea and Tumiting sub-districts, which currently have landslides, are in the middle to high category, while Bunaken is in the medium to high. In the inaRISK study, Manado City was identified as having a moderate to high landslide hazard potential in 7 sub-districts. Regions currently affected by landslides are included with this high potential. Meanwhile, the weather forecast in Manado City today at 14.00 local time still has the potential for heavy rain, and during the day and night there is still the opportunity for light rain. The next day, this area still has the opportunity for light rain to thunderstorms. BNPB asks the public to remain vigilant and ready considering that in general we are still in the peak period of the rainy season. This is because the danger of further flooding can be exacerbated by the intensity of rain that may continue. "Do independent evacuation safely or with the help of local officers. In addition, residents who live near cliffs or hills should take the initiative to carry out independent evacuations if heavy rains in their area are heavy for a long duration," he added.