14 People Died in Landslides in Tana Toraja

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MAKASSAR — A landslide hit Tana Toraja Regency in South Sulawesi Province (Sulse) on Saturday (13/4/2024). Until Sunday (14/4/2024) the evacuation process is still being carried out. The National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) reported that 14 people were found dead due to landslides.

“Until now, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Tana Toraja is still working with search teams, and rescue teams are searching for residents who are reported missing,” said Abdul Muhari, Head of BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, in a press release received by journalists on Sunday (14/4/2024).

He explained that the landslide disaster in Tana Toraja was caused due to the high intensity of rain in a number of areas with unstable ground conditions, on Saturday (13/4/2024). Several landslide points are known in Lembang Randan Batu village, in South Makale Sub-district. And in Manggau Village, Makale District. “The BNPB Operation Control Center (Pusdalpos) report details casualties in the incident, among which in South Makale district three residents died and one was reported missing. Meanwhile, in Makale district, 11 people were declared dead and two others were injured,” Abdul said.

Until Sunday (14/4/2024), other search efforts continue to be carried out. But, he said, a number of natural constraints became obstacles. Other than because of the disaster location point being on a plateau. It was also said that the evacuation and relief process was also hampered due to the moderate and high rain situation that still occurs in the region. “So landslide points are difficult to reach. And the road leading to Makale District is difficult for vehicles, which makes emergency response teams have to walk,” he said.