“We remain committed to supporting evacuation and recovery efforts, ensuring that affected residents receive essential supplies, and maintaining close coordination with all relevant stakeholders for an effective response,” Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said in a statement issued in Jakarta on Sunday.
The relief package includes 614 children’s food kits, 150 packages of children's clothing, 500 blankets, 51 family kitchen sets, 300 roll-up tents, and two multipurpose tents, with a total aid value of Rp312,273,900 (around US$19,027).
The assistance aims to support the basic needs of the affected population, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
“Social Affairs Ministry teams also conducted a rapid assessment at the disaster site, helped evacuate residents to safer areas, monitored water levels, and continued to coordinate closely with local authorities,” Minister Saifullah added.
The flash flood struck Pohuwato on Friday evening (June 20) at around 10:00 p.m. Central Indonesia Time (WITA), following heavy rainfall that had persisted from late afternoon into the night.
Rivers that run through several sub-districts in Pohuwato overflowed rapidly, carrying mud, timber, and debris, and inundating residential areas.
Two residents of Tuweya Village in Wonggarasi Sub-district lost their lives after being swept away by the floodwaters. The victims were identified as Yance Munu (36) and Larastiari Lakoro (14).
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this disaster,” said Minister Saifullah Yusuf.
The disaster affected 2,542 households —or around 8,468 people— across ten villages in five sub-districts, namely Paguat, Lemito, Randangan, Wonggarasi, and Taluditi.
Lemito Village reported the highest number of victims, with 848 households (2,713 people) affected. Other significantly impacted areas included Wonggarasi Tengah, Wonggarasi Barat, and Tuweya Village.
As of now, the government is still collecting data on the number of displaced persons. No injuries have been reported so far.
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Translator: Anita, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Arie Novarina
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