Kendari, SE Sulawesi (ANTARA) - North Konawe District Head Ruksamin (in white t-shirt) delivered assistance directly to victims of flood in the region on Monday (10/6/2019). (ANTARA)
Several thousand flood victims in North Konawe District, Southeast Sulawesi, are in dire need of assistance from various parties, both the government and private sector, to placate their distress.
North Konawe District Head Ruksamin stated when contacted directly from North Konawe on Monday that urgent assistance in the form of blankets, food, readymade food, clean water, and children's clothing was urgently needed for flood victims in their area.
"What is certain is that residents seeking assistance are mainly for victims living in isolated areas, such as Asera, Oheo, Landawe, Langgikima, and Wiwirano sub-districts," he revealed.
Ruksamin expressed gratitude to the National Disaster Management Agency for disbursing funds worth Rp500 million to handle flood victims in its area that was led and handed over directly by Head of BNPB TNI Lieutenant General Doni Monardo after reviewing and directly monitoring flood conditions since June 6, 2019.
The North Konawe district head remarked that in addition to cash aid, the BNPB's assistance comprised two cargo aircraft and helicopter, 12 ships, and 20 refugee tents for the evacuated flood victims and also distribution of logistics.
Ruksamin stated that the BNPB head was highly concerned over the flooding that had hit the area, thereby resulting in significant losses to the community.
"He and his staff have seen first-hand the condition of the flood victims after which facilities, energy, and material assistance were promptly offered to this area," he noted.
Ruksamin confirmed that the current focus was on rescuing residents in isolated areas, while aid comprising food and clothing had continued to gradually trickle in.
The North Konawe BPBD had earlier reported that 13 villages affected by floods in the area were Tambakua, Langgiwo, Polora Indah, Sabandete, Mopute, Longeo, Tapuwatu, Walalindu, Alawanggudu, Puuwanggudu, Labungga, Laronanga, and Lino Moio located in Langgikima District, Asera, Oheo, Landawe, Wiwirano, and Andowia.
The North Konawe region was inundated by floods following torrential rains that resulted in the rivers of Lalindu, Wadolo, and Wadambali overflowing.
A total of 17 houses incurred damage or were washed away by the floods, while 851 houses and three mosques were submerged. Moreover, flooding resulted in access being cut off to a connecting bridge as well as four elementary buildings and a high school.
Reporter: Eliswan Azly
Editor: Sri Haryati
