26 Jan 2019 | 03:00 PM UTC
Indonesia: Flooding and landslides kills 68 people in Sulawesi as of Jan. 26 /update 1
Authorities confirm the deaths of at least 68 people from flooding and landslides in Sulawesi as of January 26; more than 6700 displaced
Event
Sustained rains caused flooding and landslides on Sulawesi island, with authorities confirming the deaths of at least 68 people as of Saturday, January 26. According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the flooding has displaced more than 6700 people across 14 districts in South Sulawesi province, after a dam burst on Tuesday, January 22, submerging entire towns. Officials have also indicated at least six people are still missing. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to persist in the coming days.
Advice
Individuals in Sulawesi are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate flooding and associated transportation disruptions, including road closures, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of moving water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
