Stay Informed with Breaking News Alerts
Sign up for Our Free Newsletter
Indonesia’s Sulawesi island was struck by tragedy as a flood and landslide claimed the lives of 14 individuals, officials reported on Saturday.
Relentless rain since Thursday triggered a landslide in the Luwu district in South Sulawesi province, leading to widespread devastation, said local rescue chief Mexianus Bekabel.
The floods, reaching up to 3m (10ft) in height, impacted 13 sub-districts, submerging the area in water and mud. Over 1,000 houses were affected, with 42 being completely swept off their foundations.
A dedicated search and rescue team sprang into action, utilizing rubber boats and vehicles to evacuate residents from the affected area. More than 100 individuals have been relocated to mosques or the homes of relatives, according to National Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari.
Indonesia, with its unique geography of 17,000 islands, is prone to seasonal downpours resulting in frequent landslides and floods. Millions of residents inhabit mountainous terrain or fertile floodplains.
In April, heavy rains triggered landslides in the Tana Toraja district of South Sulawesi province, claiming the lives of 20 individuals.