inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) announced that a public kitchen post has been established to ensure the supply of food for thousands of residents affected by the flash flood caused by the overflowing Didingga River in North Gorontalo Regency, Gorontalo Province.

The Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, stated that the establishment of the public kitchen was a priority during the emergency response phase, allowing for the regular distribution of ready-to-eat food packages.

"The North Gorontalo Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), along with the Indonesian Military (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (INP), the disaster preparedness cadets (Tagana), volunteers, and related officials, conducted post-flood response, established the public kitchen, and distributed food supplies to affected residents," explained Abdul on Tuesday (6/2/2026).

He explained that this swift action was reinforced by the declaration of a Flood Disaster Emergency Response Status through Decree (SK) of the North Gorontalo Regent Number 116/V/2026, which is effective for 30 days, from May 26 to June 24, 2026.

BNPB's Operations Control Center (Pusdalops) reported that the wet hydrometeorological disaster hit downstream areas on Tuesday (5/26/2026), triggered by heavy rainfall, which caused the Didingga River to overflow, creating floodwaters 40-200 centimeters deep.

The flash flood reportedly affected five villages in Biau District: Biau Village, Bualo Village, Omuto Village, Didingga Village, and Luhuto Village, with a total of 2,817 residents affected.

The physical damage caused by the surging river currents was significant. Three homes were reportedly swept away, 20 homes were severely damaged, and 826 others were submerged.

The latest update as of Monday (6/1/2026) shows that the floodwaters in all affected areas have completely receded, but piles of wood and thick mud remain in residential areas.

(ad/ndt/pr/rs)