It (the flash flood) struck last night. Some of the families were evacuated only at dawn (on Sunday).Palu, C Sulawesi (ANTARA) - A flash flood inundated Bangga Village in Sigi District, Central Sulawesi Province, Sunday night, compelling swarms of residents to evacuate to higher ground.
"It (the flash flood) had struck last night. Some of the families were evacuated only at dawn (on Sunday)," Rizal, residing in Bangga Village, remarked on Monday.
Rizal revealed that he along with his kin had taken shelter on the roof of their house when the flash flood struck. They then evacuated to higher ground only at dawn on Monday.
The flood struck at such a lightning speed that Rizal was unable to salvage his household belongings.
"All diplomas have gone missing. I could only salvage a motorcycle and hand phone," he remarked.
The maximum impact of the flash flood was felt in hamlet I where 342 families lived and hamlet II that is home to 298 families.
Rizal remarked on Sunday afternoon that he had witnessed signs of flooding, and at 7:30 p.m. local time, the flash flood unexpectedly hit the hamlets.
"On Sunday afternoon, I told (the residents) to immediately seek refuge, as the floodwaters will rise. However, no resident sought refuge," he noted.
The floodwaters, carrying mud and logs, originated from Bangga River that overflowed its bank and inundated nearly all parts of the hamlets. " Only the roofs of the submerged houses were visible," he pointed out.
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Adha Nadjemudin, Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
