REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MAKASSAR -- The death toll from devastating floods and landslides that hit South Sulawesi Province climbed to 26. Meanwhile, 24 others were still missing, on Thursday morning.

Of the total 26 casualties, 12 were found in Gowa, 10 in Jeneponto, and four in Maros, Syamsibar, head of the South Sulawesi disaster mitigation office (BPBD) said here. The flooding hitting 10 districts and cities in the province, has affected 3,914 families, displaced 3,321 people, and caused 46 people to fall ill.

A joint rescue and search team comprising military, police, and local personnel, worked hard to find the missing people and evacuate displaced victims. He felt relief that the flood waters subsided as rain began to wane.

The Makassar, Sungguhminasa and Malino roads, which were cut off by the disasters, were reopened.

A resident tries to cross the street amid the strong current of the flood that hit Manggala District, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Wednesday (Jan 23).

Meanwhile, Social Affairs Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has ordered to dispatch logistics aid and rescue officers to six districts and a city in South Sulawesi Province hit by flash floods. The logistics aid worth Rp874,517,200 comprises food, beverages, blankets, kitchenware, and clothing, among other things.

"The team has moved to the locations. Some 450 personnel will help the process to evacuate flood victims," he stated in Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Flash floods hit the districts of Gowa, Maros, Pangkep, Barru, Jeneponto, and Sopeng, as well as Makassar City, among others.

One hundred personnel were deployed in Gowa, 200 in Makassar, and 50 each in Pangkep and Barru. The ministry also deployed two rubber boats in Gowa and one in Makassar.

Gowa is the worst hit by flooding triggered by incessant heavy rains over the last two days. Jeneberang River, the longest river in South Sulawesi, also overflowed its bank.

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