South Halmahera declares 14-day emergency amid widespread flooding

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The South Halmahera District Administration in North Maluku has declared a 14-day emergency response status to accelerate assistance for thousands of residents affected by flooding across five sub-districts.

Head of the Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Abdul Muhari, stated in Jakarta on Monday that the emergency status has been in effect since early that day (June 23).

Floods have inundated residential areas in the five sub-districts following several days of heavy rainfall.

According to BNPB data, 4,182 families—equivalent to 13,965 people—have been displaced from 15 villages spread across six sub-districts: Bacan, South Bacan, West Gane, East Gane, Southeast Gane, and Southwest Gane.

“In addition to the thousands of affected residents, a two-year-old child was reported to have died after being swept away by the current, and one person sustained injuries from electric shock,” Abdul revealed.

The BNPB also reported that 1,522 homes have been submerged.

Four houses were severely damaged, three sustained minor damage, two bridges were heavily damaged, one bridge suffered light damage, and a 40-meter-long gabion was also impacted.

Abdul noted that water levels in the affected areas range from 20 to 150 centimeters, significantly disrupting residents’ activities. Most of the flooded areas are accessible only by boat or specialized vehicles.

The BNPB has coordinated the provision of logistical aid with local governments and related agencies.

Immediate needs among the survivors include ready-to-eat meals, blankets, tarpaulins, sleeping mats, appropriate clothing, and supplies for babies and toddlers.

Abdul urged the public to remain vigilant for potential further flooding, given the persistently high rainfall in the region, and advised continued monitoring of official updates from BMKG, BPBD, and other government communication channels.