Jakarta (ANTARA) - Floods, with waters reaching up to three meters in height, accompanied by landslides in Luwu District, South Sulawesi, killed 14 people, according to the National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB).

Head of the BNPB Data, Information, and Communication Center on Disaster Abdul Muhari stated here on Saturday that the number of fatalities was obtained on the basis of latest data collected by the BNPB Disaster Management Operations Control Center (Pusdalops) and a rapid review by BPBD.

Each of the victims came from 13 sub-districts hit by floods and landslides, comprising Suli, Latimojong, West Suli, South Ponrang, Ponrang, Bupon, Larompong, South Larompong, Bajo, West Bajo, Kamanre, Belopa and North Belopa.

However, the BNPB team has not been able to report the condition or whereabouts of the bodies of the dead victims, whether the search is still underway or whether they have been found.

Muhari stated that until 6 a.m. local time, the team was still collecting data, given that further impacts could still potentially occur.

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The BNPB also continues to work to evacuate 1,385 families, who were victims of the Luwu landslide, to refugee camps.

Floods accompanied by landslides occurred after prolonged torrential rains lashed Luwu District and its adjoining areas in the early hours of Friday (May 3) at around 1:17 a.m. local time.

The impact of the disaster was further exacerbated by the overflowing of the Rongkong and Baliease rivers.

The BNPB Pusdalops noted that as of Saturday morning (May 4), a total of 1,867 housing units, rice fields, and residents' plantations were submerged in floodwaters reaching as high as one to three meters.

Out of the total figure, 103 housing units were seriously damaged, while 42 housing units were swept away. The floods also damaged four roads, one bridge, and 14 motorbikes and cars.

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Translator: M. Riezko Bima Elko Prasetyo, Katriana
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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