2019 South Sulawesi floods facts for kids
South Sulawesi province shaded red on a map of Indonesia
|
|
| Date | 22 January 2019 |
|---|---|
| Deaths | 68 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 47 |
| Missing | 6 |
On January 22, 2019, heavy rains caused big floods in South Sulawesi, a province in Indonesia. These floods were very serious. Sadly, 68 people lost their lives. Many more people, about 47, were hurt. Six people were also reported missing.
Thousands of people had to leave their homes because of the rising water. The area most affected was Gowa Regency. This region saw the highest number of people who died.
Contents
What Caused the South Sulawesi Floods?
The main reason for the most damaging flood was the Jeneberang River overflowing. This means the river had too much water and burst its banks. Another big factor was the Bili-Bili Dam in Gowa. The dam's watergates had to be opened. This was done to release water and prevent the dam from breaking.
Understanding the Bili-Bili Dam
A dam is a large barrier built across a river. It holds back water, creating a reservoir. Dams are used for many things. They can store water for drinking or farming. They can also generate electricity.
Why Dam Watergates Were Opened
When there is a lot of rain, rivers swell up. Dams can only hold so much water. If the water level gets too high, the dam could be damaged. To prevent this, engineers open special gates called watergates. This lets some water flow out in a controlled way. In this case, opening the Bili-Bili Dam's watergates helped protect the dam. However, it also added to the floodwaters downstream.
How Floods Affect Communities
Floods can cause a lot of damage. They can destroy homes and buildings. Roads and bridges can also be washed away. This makes it hard for people to travel or get help.
Impact on People and Homes
When floods happen, people often lose everything they own. Their belongings, clothes, and important documents can be ruined. It can be very scary and stressful for families. Many people need to move to safer places, like shelters.
Helping Flood Victims
After a flood, many groups work to help those affected. They provide food, clean water, and medical care. They also help people find new places to live. It takes a long time for communities to recover from big floods.
