Banjarnegara BPBD: Heavy Rain Causes Landslides In 24 Locations

A number of residents noticed Jalan Watukeng, Pagedongan, Banjarnegara Regency, Monday (8/5/2023) morning, which collapsed due to heavy rain / ANTARA

BANJARNEGARA - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java, stated that heavy rains that occurred on Saturday, May 6 and last Sunday resulted in landslides in 24 locations. "We are still reviewing reports of landslides due to the rain that occurred on Sunday day to night, however, there are currently 17 locations spread across a number of sub-districts, "said Head of the Banjarnegara Regency BPBD Emergency and Logistics Division Andri Sulistyo in Banjarnegara, Antara, Monday, May 8. Heavy rains that occurred on Saturday also caused landslides in seven locations, so that temporarily in the period 6-7 May 2023 there were 24 landslides in a number of sub-districts such as Pagedongan, Pandanarum, Madukara, Pagentan, Penjawaran, and Susukan. Apart from landslides, he said, there were also strong winds in two locations. "Until now, we are still conducting assessments at the location of the landslide and strong winds," he explained. He said that based on temporary data collection, the incident resulted in moderate damage to residents' houses at four points, houses being lightly damaged at 16 points, houses being threatened with landslides at eight points, and two injured victims. According to him, the incident also had an impact on 16 housing facilities, infrastructure at nine points, social facilities as many as two units, and economic infrastructure at one point. "We have encouraged logistical assistance for landslide victims. We have also informed the PUPR Service and other relevant agencies because there are cut roads and irrigation channels that are affected by landslides to be followed up together," said Andri. Furthermore, he said the Banjarnegara BPBD had given an appeal to the public to take anticipatory steps against the possibility of landslides and carry out independent evacuations if there was a potential disaster. According to him, this needs to be done because based on the weather forecast issued by BMKG, rain with moderate to heavy intensity still has the potential to occur in Banjarnegara.

"We have also appealed to the public to be careful because rain often occurs suddenly at night, also to avoid rain, especially in the northern region where there are currently many landslides on the road," he said.