Floods and landslides reported in Manado City, North Sulawesi, on Friday morning claimed one life, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said adding that officers were continuing with emergency response measures in the province.

“One resident passed away and dozens of families were affected (by the disasters),” Acting Head of BNPB’s Center for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Abdul Muhari informed, according to a press release.

He said that as of Friday afternoon, the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) and other related institutions were still carrying out emergency response efforts, including evacuating affected residents as well as recording the impact of the disasters and the needs of the victims.

A heavy downpour in the region caused the Tondano River to overflow and inundate the surrounding areas, he informed.

According to the BNPB’s report, residents’ settlements were submerged by floodwaters reaching a height of 80 centimeters (cm) to 3 meters in parts of the Paal Dua, Tuminting, Sario, Wenang, and Singkil Sub-districts of Manado City.

“(Meanwhile) the landslides were reported in the sub-districts of Paal Dua, Singkil, Tikala, Bunaken, Wanea, and Tuminting,” the BNPB official said.

A total of 33 residential units were affected by the landslides, he reported.

“However, the BPBD has not given the detail of the level of impact or damage (caused by the disaster),” Muhari added.

Furthermore, he informed that the residents affected by the floods and landslides are currently in dire need of mattresses, blankets, clothes, family equipment, and ready-to-eat food.

Based on the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency’s (PVMBG’s) analysis of the potential for landslides in January 2023, some areas of Manado City have a medium to high landslide potential.

The sub-districts of Paal Dua, Singkul, Wanea, and Tumiting have a moderate potential for landslides, while Bunaken Sub-district has been included as an area with a medium to high potential for landslides.

Manado city is expected to experience rain from Friday to Saturday (January 27–28, 2023).

Hence, the BNPB has advised the local government and residents to be prepared for the potential of another hydrometeorological disaster.

Residents who live near cliffs or hills have been asked to remain prepared to conduct independent evacuation if heavy rain falls in the area for a prolonged period.

Source: Antara News