"Gau Mabaji" Center Handles Elderly Flood Victims in Bantaeng Regency

BANTAENG (16th June 2020) - The Gau Mabaji Center for Elderly Social Rehabilitation (BRSLU) Gowa sent a Case Response team to provide protection for elderly victims of flood disasters in Bantaeng Regency, South Sulawesi.

The eight Sub-Districts in two Districts in Bantaeng Regency are currently reported to have been affected by the flood, including Pallantikang Sub-District, Tappanjeng Sub-District, Bonto Rita Sub-District, Bonto Sunggu Sub-District, Bonto Atu Sub-District, Bonto Cinde Sub-District, Bonto Lebang Sub-District and Bonto Jai Village.

This flood disaster occurred due to the high intensity of rain in the upstream area, this rainfall caused the waters of the Celendu and Cekdam Balang Sikuyu rivers to burst on the right side, as a result a number of areas were flooded including people's homes, trade centers and several other facilities.

Flood disaster can hit anyone, children to the elderly can become victims. The handling for flood victims sometimes forgets that there are groups most at risk of being affected by flooding, which is the elderly. The elderly find it difficult to do activities because of the risk of falls and injuries during floods. In addition, the elderly are easily to diseases caused by flooding.

Anticipating the impact of the flood disaster on the elderly, the "Gau Mabaji" Elderly Center immediately sent a case response team to go directly and carry out data collection and assistance to elderly people affected by the flood disaster.

As a result of the data collection conducted by the team there were dozens of elderly victims of this incident. Based on data collected from SLRT Banteng Regency, there are 107 elderly in Bantaeng District and 407 elderly in Bissappu District who need special handling. Currently, the evacuated elderly have returned to their homes after the flood receded.

Head of the Bantaeng Regency Social Service, Syamsir said that the handling of vulnerable groups needs to be prioritized during a disaster, one of which is the elderly.

"Public kitchens have been established in these two locations. Meanwhile, other urgent needs that are still needed are logistics, which is foods, clothes, blankets, medicines and folding mattresses," said Syamsir.

Sia (78y.o), an elderly flood victim expressed his gratitude for the government's attention and hopes that additional handling assistance can be realized soon.

"I am very happy that someone gives attention to elderly people like me when this disaster occurs," said Sia.