Strong Winds Hit Wajo Sulsel, Hundreds Of Residents' Houses Damaged

Damaged houses/BNPB

JAKARTA - Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi Province was hit by strong winds on Tuesday, October 26. A number of areas affected by these strong winds were in Mattiro Walie Village and Kolala Village in Maniangpajo District, Ugi Village and Pallimae Village in Sabangparau District, Wiripalennae Village in Tempe District.

Plt. Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Abdul Muhari said that this disaster resulted in hundreds of houses being damaged.

"At least 277 houses were damaged, with details of 45 houses heavily damaged, 60 moderately damaged and 172 houses lightly damaged," said Abdul Muhari in his statement, Thursday, October 28.

Fortunately, said Abdul Muhari, there were no casualties from this incident. However, strong winds in Wajo affected 244 families or 909 people and 3 families or 2 people were forced to evacuate.

"This extreme weather phenomenon also caused one unit of a house of worship and two units of educational facilities to be severely damaged," he said.

The Wajo Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency made efforts to handle post-event emergencies. Assistance in the form of logistics is being prepared for the affected residents.

"BPBD coordinates with government officials at the sub-district and village levels to collect data at the location of the incident, one of which is to request population data from residents," said Abdul Muhari.

Referring to the BMKG weather forecast for the South Sulawesi region today, there is still the potential for rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds in the western and northern coastal areas.

Meanwhile, Wajo Regency still has the potential for light rain until Saturday, October 29, with wind speeds ranging from 20 kilometers per hour. InaRISK's analysis also shows that Wajo Regency has the potential for extreme weather risks with moderate to high categories.

Therefore, Abdul Muhari appealed to stakeholders in the local area and the community to increase vigilance and preparedness in dealing with potential hazards caused by weather factors.

"When strong winds occur, immediately secure yourself to a sturdy building. It is advised not to be under trees or billboards when strong winds occur," explained Abdul Muhari.

"Also pay attention when taking shelter under an open building, avoiding the potential for exposure to other materials around, such as zinc sheets that can be blown by the wind," he continued.