Kendari Distributes Emergency Food Aid to 1,693 Flood Victims

RRI.CO.ID, Kendari - The Kendari City Administration in Southeast Sulawesi has mobilized the National Food Agency's (Bapanas) strategic reserves to provide immediate relief for residents reeling from recent flood waters. Under the direct supervision of the Kendari Mayor, Siska Karina Imran, the administration began distributing essential food supplies, including rice and cooking oil, to 1,693 affected individuals across two subdistricts on Friday, May 15, 2026.

"What we are distributing is targeted at three locations within two subdistricts for residents impacted by the flooding," said Mayor Siska during the distribution, as quoted by Antara.

The aid reached 246 families in Wua-wua Village and 153 families in Lepo-lepo, specifically near the Wanggu River area. An additional 23 families, comprising 93 individuals in Baruga Village, also received supplies as part of this initial phase.

"The total number of aid recipients across these three locations is 1,693 people," she confirmed.

While this initial rollout addresses immediate hunger in critical zones, the Mayor emphasized that this is only the beginning of a larger recovery operation. With data showing that 1,339 families, totaling 5,945 individuals, have been affected citywide, the administration plans to extend distribution to seven other subdistricts.

"The total number of affected households across the city is 1,339, with 5,945 individuals," explained Mayor Siska.

She also noted that the food assistance serves as a concrete sign of the government's presence during the crisis.

The administration has set a strict deadline of Sunday, May 17, 2026, to complete the distribution across the remaining seven sub-districts. The Mayor noted that the timeline is dependent on rigorous field verification to ensure the aid reaches those truly in need.

"The distribution must be verified according to field data for those specifically impacted by the floods," said the Mayor.

To further centralize relief efforts, a disaster response command post has been established at Kali Wanggu. Mayor Siska urged residents not to worry about basic necessities, as the command post is stocked with logistics ranging from food and clothing to medical supplies.

"For the mothers here, there is no need to worry about meals, this tent has been prepared to meet your food requirements," concluded Mayor Siska, addressing the immediate concerns of displaced families at the site. ***