Ternate, IndonesiaSentinel.com — A flash flood struck the Kelurahan Rua area of Pulau Ternate in North Maluku province early Sunday morning, claiming the lives of 13 people, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The disaster occurred at 3:30 AM local time on August 25, 2024.
BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari confirmed the fatalities and reported that two others were injured. “The number of those affected is still being verified,” Muhari said in an official statement on Sunday.
The flood caused significant damage, with 10 houses severely impacted. Efforts to assist those affected are ongoing. Rapid Response Teams (TRC) from the Ternate City Disaster Management Agency, along with other agencies, have been deployed for rescue operations and to assess the situation.
The North Maluku Provincial Disaster Management Agency is coordinating with Ternate City’s agency to expedite relief efforts on the ground.
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Immediate needs in the affected area include refugee tents, light towers, blankets, mattresses, tarps, folding beds, and basic food supplies. Further assessments are being conducted to determine the full extent of the damage and the number of people impacted.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned that heavy rainfall could continue in Ternate and surrounding areas in the coming days, urging residents to remain vigilant and heed official warnings about the potential for further flooding.
(Agung)
