TEMPO.CO, Gorontalo - Heavy rain that hit Gorontalo District yesterday has caused rivers to overflow their banks, while other areas have been hit by landslides.
Flooding occured in four subdistricts, namely Limboto, West Limboto, Pulubala and Tolonghula in Gorontalo District, Gorontalo Province, from 6:30 local time until midnight.
Head of Data, Information and Public Relations, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said that public facilities and infrustructure, such as local hospitals, community health centers and public offices have been inundated. “Roads and bridges are also damaged, in addition to damage to a large swath of paddy fields,” Sutopo said in a written statement received by Tempo on Wednesday.
Roughly 1,500 homes have been flooded, with water levels up to 50-100 cm high. People have moved to a building near the City Hall.
The BNPB has deployed personnel of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), assisted by the military personnel, police and local agencies to evacuate, collect data, build public kitchen and provide logistics.
Sutopo said that Gorontalo Regent has declared a state of emergency last night.
According to Sutopo, Sulawesi is prone to flooding due to its hilly and mountainous terrain.
“It’s been made worse by limited catchment areas, land coversion from forest into agriculture and housing,” Sutopo said.
RICHARD ANDIKA | EZ
