RRI.CO.ID, Kendari - The Kendari City Administration in Southeast Sulawesi is intensifying coordination with provincial and central authorities to find long-term solutions for the region's recurring drainage issues after heavy rainfall triggered flooding across 11 different locations.

The deluge, which began late Saturday, May 9, 2026, has submerged residential areas, administration offices, and agricultural land, prompting local leaders to call for a more integrated approach to disaster mitigation.

Head of the Kendari Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Cornelius Padang, provided a detailed situational update on Sunday, May 10, 2026, confirming the widespread impact of the weekend's high-intensity rain. "Based on preliminary reports, there are 11 affected points," said Cornelius, as quoted by Antara.

He detailed the breakdown of the impacted areas, noting that Wuawua Subdistrict suffered at two points in the Wuawua and Bonggoeya Subdistricts. Meanwhile, Baruga Subdistrict faced three major flood sites encompassing the Kali Wanggu area, various residential complexes, and the main thoroughfares of Lepo-lepo Subdistrict.

Additional flooding was reported in the Anduonuhu and Mokoau Subdistricts, along with two locations in Kambu specifically on Jalan Bangau and Jalan Mangkerey, Jalan Veteran in Wowanggu, and the Nanga-nanga rice fields.

In response to the escalating situation, Kendari Mayor, Siska Karina Imran, emphasized that the scale of the disaster necessitates support beyond the local administration’s current resources. She confirmed that active dialogues are underway with the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Administration and central ministries to engineer a permanent solution for the city's flood vulnerabilities.

"This indeed requires coordination in management. In this case, the city administration, as well as the provincial and central governments, must work together on how to create a solution for this flood handling," explained Siska.

Acknowledging the frustration of residents facing inundated homes and disrupted livelihoods, Mayor Siska issued a formal apology for the limitations of the current response efforts. She highlighted that systemic changes in infrastructure and disaster mitigation are impossible without a unified front.

"On behalf of the Kendari City Administration, we offer our deepest apologies to all residents if the flood handling at this time has not been optimal. This is because disaster mitigation requires strong collaboration across sectors and across levels of administration," added Siska.

Efforts to assist affected residents and clear debris continue as the city remains on high alert for potential follow-up rainfall. ***

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠