At least 14 people have been killed and three others are missing due to landslides triggered by torrential rains on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island. The incident occurred in the Tana Toraja district of South Sulawesi province when mud fell from surrounding hills onto four houses during a family gathering. The search and rescue efforts are ongoing in the villages of Makale and South Makale, with dozens of soldiers, police, and volunteers involved in the operation. As of Sunday afternoon, rescuers have recovered 11 bodies in Makale village and three bodies in South Makale, with three individuals still missing, including a 3-year-old girl.
The rescue efforts have been hampered by downed communication lines, bad weather, and unstable soil in the area, making it challenging for rescuers to access the affected areas. Tana Toraja is known for its popular tourist attractions, including traditional houses and wooden statues of bodies buried in caves, known as tau-tau. The region experiences seasonal downpours which often result in landslides and floods due to its mountainous terrain and fertile floodplains. The National Disaster Management Agency spokesperson, Abdul Muhari, highlighted the challenges faced by authorities in conducting rescue operations in the remote and hilly region of Tana Toraja.
The landslides in Tana Toraja serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather events in Indonesia, a country comprised of 17,000 islands where millions of people reside in mountainous areas and flood-prone regions. The government and emergency response agencies are working to address the immediate needs of those affected by the tragedy and to mitigate the risk of further landslides. The local police chief, Gunardi Mundu, emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts involving various stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of communities in vulnerable areas. The search and rescue operation is ongoing, with hopes of locating the missing individuals and providing necessary support to those affected by the disaster.
As the world grapples with the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, Indonesia’s experience with landslides underscores the importance of preparedness, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure in mitigating the impact of such events. The government, along with local authorities and international partners, is committed to enhancing disaster risk reduction measures and building sustainable communities that can withstand environmental challenges. The landslides in Tana Toraja serve as a sobering reminder of the need for continued investment in disaster resilience and response capabilities to protect vulnerable populations and prevent loss of life in the face of natural calamities.
