Abdul Muhari, Head of BNPB's Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, explained that the flooding resulted from high-intensity rain in the headwaters of Larampong River, which overflowed into nearby residential areas.
"Rain fell in the upstream area for four hours on Friday (April 11), leading to the overflow of the Larampong River and flooding some 100 homes across two sub-districts in Luwu District," he noted in a statement received here on Saturday.
Muhari then cited a report from the Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Luwu, stating that floodwaters in Suli Sub-district reached heights of between 60 and 100 centimeters.
He revealed that around five hectares of agricultural land have been submerged by floodwaters.
Muhari highlighted that no casualties had been reported, noting that residents have begun cleaning their homes as the floodwaters started receding on Saturday.
Despite the absence of fatalities, he stressed the importance of vigilance for those living near watersheds and urged preparedness for potential hydrometeorological disasters.
He urged the public and local governments to take anticipatory measures against extreme weather, including cleaning drainage canals, maintaining watershed cleanliness, and preparing the necessary tools and logistics for disaster response.
The BNPB official stressed the importance of such initiatives, particularly for South Sulawesi, a region identified as at risk for extreme weather on April 11-13, according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
"We advise people living near watersheds or hillsides to seek safety if rain lasts over an hour and visibility drops below 100 meters," he cautioned the public.
Translator: M. Riezko, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
