Belopa, May 9, 2024 – In response to the floods and landslides that have struck parts of South Sulawesi since May 3, 2024, causing the closure of several roads and bridges in Luwu Regency, PT Masmindo Dwi Area (MDA) has been continuously working to open access by deploying heavy equipment. As of Wednesday, May 8, 2024, landslide points on the village roads connecting the MDA site area with the nearest village (Ranteballa Village) have been gradually overcome since Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Rain in the Latimojong area is still quite intense, and the locations affected by landslides are still unstable, making it a challenge for the MDA team to fully open access. In addition, the bad weather conditions also make it difficult to distribute the fuel needed for the operation of vehicles and heavy equipment. Since sending fuel by land is not possible, fuel and logistics were delivered to the MDA site area by air using helicopters on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

Opening access to the Poros Village Road Ranteballa – Kadundung is still a priority. This is because this road is the main route for distributing aid and efforts to handle the other impacts of the disaster. A number of MDA heavy equipment units have also been mobilized to open access roads to Tabang Village and Boneposi Village. For all these activities, MDA deployed 9 units of company heavy equipment consisting of 1 dozer, 1 wheel loader, and 7 excavators, as well as other supporting vehicles.

Head of Mining Engineering (KTT) MDA Mustafa Ibrahim stated that the efforts to open access roads due to landslides are being continuously optimized by the MDA Team to help smooth the distribution of aid to the community, especially those who are still isolated. "With the opening of access to the villages towards the MDA site, the health facilities at MDA can also support medical assistance for residents in need," he said. Meanwhile, a number of MDA medical personnel have also gone to the nearest village to help check the health of the community, especially the elderly and toddlers.

In addition, MDA also supports the preparation of a helicopter landing pad (helipad) at the company's location to help expedite the distribution of aid and medical evacuation from the local health authorities.

The MDA Emergency Response Team (ERT) also helped distribute aid in Kadundung Village following the closure of roads and bridges. Based on coordination and directions from the Commander of the XIV Hasanuddin Military Command, the MDA ERT Team has also created and provided temporary crossing facilities at the Kadundung River using karmantel ropes. The ERT Team will continue to provide support for disaster response and coordinate with the BNPB Team, Luwu BPBD, volunteers, and the village government.

Previously, MDA had also distributed aid in the form of ready-to-eat meals, biscuits, bread, basic necessities, drinking water, and medicines, as well as vitamins and supplements, both directly to the villages affected by the floods and landslides and through the Main Post at the Andi Djemma Field Tribune. Communication and coordination with the Luwu Regency Government have been and will continue to be carried out by MDA for disaster response. (YP)***