TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The number of death tolls from flash floods that struck Masamba, North Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, on Monday evening, July 13, was increasing.

“Based on temporary data, 23 people are found dead,” said Social Minister Juliari P Batubara in a statement in Jakarta, Thursday, July 16.

As of Wednesday afternoon, July 15, the North Luwu Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) recorded 156 families or 655 people were evacuated. As many as 4,202 families or 15,994 people were affected.

A total of 4,930 houses were inundated, 10 houses were wiped out by floods, 213 houses were buried with sand and mud, one military office 1403-11 was submerged in 1-meter mud, inter-village bridges were collapsed, and provincial roads were inundated by 1-4 meters of mud.

North Luwu BPBD reported the flood was triggered by high-intensity rain that occurred two days before, causing Masamba River, Rongkang River, and Rada River to overflow.

Until Thursday, July 16, the flood in Masamba has not subsided yet. Antara earlier reported that Salukula River was again overflowed and inundated a number of residents' homes. The overflow was also caused by debris from landslides after the flash flood.

Read: Sulawesi Flash Floods Kill at Least 16

FAJAR PEBRIANTO