"The victims are currently taking shelter at their relatives' houses that are safe from the disaster," Head of BNPB's Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, noted in the agency's statement received in Manado on Friday.
The floods were triggered by prolonged high-intensity rains lashing the district since the morning of Wednesday (June 26).
Floodwaters, reaching about 1-1.5 meters in height, are inundating as many as 633 houses, an educational facility, and a house of worship in over 15 villages in six sub-districts.
Moreover, the natural disaster has severed access to the road connecting the villages of Doloduo II and Makaruo, thereby presenting a challenge to the people's mobility.
Officials from regional governments and village administrations as well as police and military personnel have been fielded to assist those affected by the floods.
The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Bolaang Mongondow has been coordinating with relevant stakeholders to collect data and carry out emergency measures, including distributing ready-to-eat meals, hygiene kits, and sleeping equipment to the victims.
To suppress the risk of future floods in Bolaang Mongondow, the BNPB appealed to residents and the government to routinely conduct maintenance on water infrastructure instrumental in controlling floods.
The BNPB suggested repairs and maintenance of the drainage system as a short-term measure.
As for the long-term measure, the national agency emphasized the importance of managing the environment comprehensively, including by taking into account disaster mitigation while making space utilization plans.
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Translator: Karel A, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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