The social affairs minister was scheduled to arrive at the Bua Palopo Airport and later head to Masamba, North Luwu Social Affairs Office, Besse A. Paebeangi remarked here on Friday.
The agenda of the trip undertaken by the minister and several members of the House of Representatives (DPR) to North Luwu was to visit Radda Village, Baebunta Sub-district, where most people displaced by the flooding were temporary accommodated.
On Monday (July 13), flash floods struck parts of North Luwu District, South Sulawesi Province, claiming the lives of 24 people and rendering 69 others missing.
Related news: North Luwu, South Sulawesi flooding kills 24, renders 69 missing
The displaced people sought refuge in 39 areas in North Luwu, while the local government has set up 20 temporary shelters for flood victims.
"Rescue efforts today are centered on searching for the missing people. Based on the available data, 69 people are missing, while 24 people were found dead," Head of North Luwu BPBD Muslim Muchtar noted in a press statement on Thursday.
The BPBD and Search and Rescue Office have deployed personnel to locate the missing residents, he revealed.
The floods struck the sub-districts of Masamba, Sabbang, Baebunta, South Baebunta, Malangke, and West Malangke in North Luwu.
The floods inundated 4,930 homes, swept away 10 houses, and damaged a bridge. As many as 213 houses, a military office, and roads were buried in sand and mud.
The flooding affected 4,202 families comprising 15,994 people and compelled 156 families of 655 people to flee to higher grounds.
Related news: Governor, Minister Hadimuljono observe North Luwu's disaster-hit zone
Related news: South Sulawesi's flash flood claims 16 lives, while 23 missing
Translator: Abdul Kadir, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
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