23 Jan 2019 | 10:45 PM UTC
Indonesia: Flooding kills eight, displaces thousands in Sulawesi as of Jan. 23
Authorities confirm the deaths of eight people from flooding in southern Sulawesi on January 23; thousands more displaced and four missing
Event
Heavy rain caused flash flooding and landslides in southern Sulawesi, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people as of Wednesday, January 23. The flooding is concentrated in South Sulawesi province, including Makassar and nearby regencies of Gowa and Jeneponto. Thousands of people have been displaced, according to authorities, and four others are missing. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to persist in the coming days.
Advice
Individuals in Sulawesi, particularly in and around the area of Makassar, 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.
