Indonesia: Deadly flooding hits South Sulawesi January 12-13

Event

Strong winds and heavy rain hit South Sulawesi province on Sunday, January 12, causing flooding in multiple regencies in the region. According to the South Sulawesi Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), hundreds of homes and dozens of public facilities have been flooded as of Monday, January 13. At least one associated fatality has also been confirmed in Soppeng. The impacted areas include Parepare city as well as the regencies of Barru, Soppeng, Pinrang, and Sidenreng Rappang. In Barru, floodwater cut off some roads, including sections of the Trans-Sulawesi Highway, causing traffic disruptions. The strong winds also brought down trees, damaging hundreds of homes.

Further rain is forecast in the province at least through Wednesday, January 15. There is also the potential of strong winds in western and southern coastal regions. Further flooding, landslides, and transportation and business disruptions are possible, as well as disruptions to power and communication services over the coming days.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions and flight reservations before setting out, anticipate transportation and business disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.