Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - Vice President M Jusuf Kalla on Sunday left Jakarta for Makassar, South Sulawesi, to review rescue operations of flood victims in the province.

The vice president and his entourage that included his wife, Mufidah Jusuf Kalla, departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta at 7 a.m. Western Indonesian Standard Time (WIB).

Upon arrival in Makassar, he was expected to be greeted by Governor of South Sulawesi Nurdin Abdulah, among others.

"It is scheduled that the Vice President will be accompanied by the Governor of South Sulawesi and his entourage during the visit to the flood locations to review it," said Vice President Spokesman Husain Abdullah in a press release.

Members of the Vice President`s entourage included Social Affairs Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, and Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BPBN) Doni Monardo.

After visiting flood victims in several locations, Kalla was scheduled to chair a meeting to discuss the implementation of the rescue efforts.

Kalla was scheduled to return to Jakarta after chairing the meeting. Flash floods believed to be the worst in the last decade, affected 106 villages in 61 sub-districts in 13 districts and cities in South Sulawesi Province. The 13 districts and cities were Jeneponto, Maros, Gowa, Makassar, Soppeng, Wajo, Barru, Pangkep, Sidrap, Bantaeng, Takalar, Selayar and Sinjai.

So far, 59 were dead, 25 missing, 47 injured and 6.596 displaced due to flooding and landslides in the province. Besides, the natural disasters damaged 10 bridges, 79 homes, two traditional markets, 12 places of worship, 22 school buildings, and submerged 4,857 homes, as well as 11,876 hectares of rice fields.

Reporting by Darwin Fatir, Eliswan Azly

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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