Floods In East Aceh Regency Are Gradually Reducing

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the flooding caused by heavy rains since Thursday, November 18, in the East Aceh Regency, Aceh, is gradually receding.

"This morning the water level was about 20 to 50 cm, but this afternoon it has gradually receded", said Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, in a statement quoted by Antara, Friday, November 19.

The flood-hit three Gampong (villages), namely Gampong Julok Rayeuk Utara, Alu le Mirah, and Jambo Lubok, Indra Makmur District, and affected 300 families or 1,440 people. There were no casualties as a result of the disaster.

In addition, said Abdul, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of East Aceh Regency informed that no residents had fled because of the flood last night.

BPBD monitoring of East Aceh Regency, even though there are puddles, road access can still be passed by two- and four-wheeled vehicles.

"Meanwhile, the BMKG (Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency) weather forecast shows that the Indra Makmur sub-district will still have light rain. Looking at the potential flood hazard in this sub-district, inaRISK's analysis shows a moderate to the high category", he said.

Indra Makmur Sub-district is one of 24 sub-districts in the East Aceh Regency that has the potential for natural disasters.

BNPB appealed to local governments and the public to always be ready and alert for potential aftershocks. The public can access weather forecast information that can be accessed up to the sub-district level.

This is useful for preparedness and coordination at the community level to anticipate and minimize the impact of floods.