I express my deep sorrow over the loss of lives in this disaster and may the families left behind be given patience and strength
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) ordered Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono to personally check the condition of flood-devastated North Luwu, South Sulawesi, and coordinate with relevant agencies to immediately restore post-disaster conditions.

"From Jakarta, I have ordered the PUPR minister to immediately head to North Luwu in cooperation with the Government of South Sulawesi, TNI (Indonesian Defense Forces), Polri (Indonesian Police), Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency), and local BPBD (Disaster Mitigation Office) to undertake emergency response efforts and to immediately restore a situation of normalcy in Masamba, North Luwu," the head of state wrote on its official Instagram account on Friday.

The president expressed his deepest condolences over the victims of the flash floods that struck six sub-districts in North Luwu on Monday (July 13).

"I express my deep sorrow over the loss of lives in this disaster and may the families left behind be given patience and strength," Jokowi stated.

Related news: North Luwu, South Sulawesi flooding kills 24, renders 69 missing

Jokowi stated that torrential rains on July 13 had resulted in flash floods from the river’s upstream to Masamba Sub-district. Consequently, some areas in the sub-district were covered with sand and mud. Several houses and public facilities incurred damage.

The natural disaster claimed 32 lives and rendered 16 others missing. A total of 1,590 residents were affected by the flooding, Mustari, Head of the Makassar Search and Rescue Office (Basarnas), stated.

A joint search and rescue team, comprising 539 people, was deployed to evacuate the flood victims.

The flash floods also injured dozens of people and displaced 3,500 families.

The floods struck the sub-districts of Masamba, Sabbang, Baebunta, South Baebunta, Malangke, and West Malangke in North Luwu District, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

Related news: Minister Batubara to offer relief aid, compensation in North Luwu
Related news: Governor, Minister Hadimuljono observe North Luwu's disaster-hit zone

Translator: Indra Areif P, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
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