Social Affairs Minister Visits and Compensates Victims of the Luwu Flood

LUWU (10 May 2024) - Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini compensated the heirs of landslide and flood victims in Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, on Friday (10/5). Minister Risma also visited the evacuees to inquire about their needs and to oversee the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) recovery efforts in the area.

Upon arrival in Makassar, Minister Risma immediately flew to the most devastated area, Latimojong District, Luwu Regency, via helicopter because road access to that site was still blocked off. "The location is quite tough. We usually travel by land, but not this time," Minister Risma explained. It is known that the floods and landslides that hit Luwu Regency on Friday last week resulted in 3 bridges in the Latimojong area being cut off and 10 villages isolated.

In Latimojong, Minister Risma compensated the deceased's heirs and delighted the youngsters by distributing toys. She also emphasized the necessity of social granaries in the area for disaster preparedness. "They're trapped. But if there is a social granary, they are prepared," Minister Risma stated in front of the media (10/5).

Aside from Latimojong, the Minister handed over IDR 15,000,000 each to heirs in West Suli District, Wajo Regency, and Sidrap Regency. The total number of deaths was 15, and MoSA distributed IDR 225,000,000 in compensation.

When handing over compensation in Kaili Village, West Suli District, the Minister reinforced the heirs who had lost family members as a result of the disaster. One of them is Elma (24), a resident of Sidrap Regency who lost her father to flooding. When the calamity struck, Elma's house was carried 500 meters. She climbed to the roof and attempted to save her father. However, because there was no longer any place to stand, she grabbed her father's head to prevent his body from being swept away by the flood. "God had different intentions, but you are a remarkable child. You did your utmost to save him. Your father would be proud," Minister Risma reassured Elma.

Previously, to speed up disaster response, the Ministry of Social Affairs had distributed logistical assistance less than 24 hours after the disaster occurred. This assistance was taken from the warehouse of the Social Welfare Education and Training Center (BBPPKS) in Makassar, Wirajaya Center in Makassar and Pangurangi Center in Takalar. The logistics distributed include rolled tents, mattresses, blankets, kitchen utensils, sanitary napkins, ready-to-eat food and other basic needs. The total logistics assistance distributed was IDR 655,762,269.