Indonesia: Over dozen killed in Sulawesi flood

SULAWESI: At least 14 people died in a flood and landslide that hit Sulawesi island in Indonesia, officials said on Saturday.

Over 1,000 houses have been affected by flooding and landslides, with 42 of them being swept off their foundations.

Read more: Death toll from rains in southern Brazil climbs to 56, some 70 still missing

Torrential rainfall has been pounding the region since Thursday, triggering a landslide in the Luwu district of the South Sulawesi province, according to local rescue chief Mexianus Bekabel.

Floods of up to 10 feet covered 13 sub-districts in water and mud. Over 1,000 houses were affected, and 42 of them were swept off their foundations, officials said.

What is being done?

Search and rescue officials worked to evacuate residents from their homes using rubber boats and other vehicles.

Over 100 people were moved to mosques or relatives’ houses outside the flooded area, National Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari said Saturday.

Read more: Indonesia: Thousands evacuate homes after volcano erupted

Water levels have started to recede in some areas, the agency said.

Flood and landslides in Indonesia caused by seasonal downpours are common. In April, over 20 people died in Tana Toraja district of South Sulawesi province. In March, at least 26 people died in flash floods and landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra island.