Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - Floods submerged hundreds of hectares of shrimp and fish ponds as well as rice fields in South Sulawesi Province Thursday following heavy rains which have fallen over the past three days.

The worst flood-affected districts were Pangkep, Maros, Barru, Gowa, and Makassar city.

Incessant downpours caused the Pangkajene river in Pangkep town to overflow and
damaged Tabo-tabo dam on Wednesday evening (Jan 12).

In Barru district, the flood cut off Makassar-Parepare and Barru-Soppeng roads early Thursday. Over ten villages in three sub districts were flooded at height of up to 50 cm.

Flash floods in Pangkep, Barru and Maros districts have submerged shrimp and milk fish ponds, causing local farmers to suffer material losses worth hundreds of millions of rupiah.

Rice fields in Pangkep district were also flooded following the overflowing of Pangkajene river.

Floods have hit 14 spots, including residential areas in Makassar city, the capital of South Sulawesi Province.

Makassar Mayor Ilham Arief inspected several flood-hit areas and urged local residents to remain cautious because precipitation is predicted to be quite high during January.

A number of volunteers from the local Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) are on guard to help flood victims. The Makassar authorities have also prepared relief aid such as food, for flood victims.(*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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