BNPB opens public kitchen for North Gorontalo flood victims

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has set up a public kitchen to ensure food supply for thousands of residents affected by the flash flood caused by the overflowing Didingga River in North Gorontalo District, Gorontalo Province.The public kitchen was prioritized during the emergency response phase to regularly distribute ready-to-eat food packages, according to the BNPB's head of Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, Tuesday.

"The North Gorontalo District BPBD, together with the Indonesian military, the National Police, the Rescue Team (Tagana), volunteers, and other relevant officials, are conducting post-flood response operations, including establishing the public kitchen, and distributing food supplies to affected residents," he said.

The swift action followed the declaration of a Flood Disaster Emergency Status through Decree of the Head of North Gorontalo District Head Number 116/V/2026, effective for 30 days, from May 26 to June 24, 2026.

BNPB's Operations Control Center reported that the hydrometeorological disaster struck the area on May 26, triggered by heavy rainfall, that caused by Didingga River to overflow, creating floodwaters 40-200 centimeters deep.

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The flood reportedly affected five villages in Biau Sub-district, namely Biau, Bualo, Omuto, Didingga, and Luhuto, with a total of 2,817 residents impacted.

The overflowing river currents caused extensive damage, with three houses swept away, 20 severely damaged, and 826 others flooded.

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As of Monday (June 1), the Gorontalo Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency confirmed floodwaters in all affected areas have completely receded, although piles of wood and thick mud deposits remain in residential areas.

Meanwhile, teaching and learning activities at three schools affected by the flood have resumed normally. Classrooms have been cleaned and are now safe for students and teachers to use.