Heavy Rain Accompanied By Strong Winds, Cibitung, Tambun, Cikarang To Sukatani Floods

JAKARTA - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Bekasi Regency, West Java, stated that the high intensity rain accompanied by strong winds had soaked at least 12 sub-districts in the area.

"Floods are scattered in 12 sub-districts with water levels of 30-150 centimeters. Apart from flooding, a tornado also swept away residential areas in Tamansari Village, Setu District," said Head of BPBD Bekasi Regency Henri Lincoln in Cikarang, reported by Antara, Monday, 8 February.

He said the 12 flood-affected areas were Cibitung, North Tambun, South Tambun, North Cikarang, Cabangbungin, Pebayuran, Sukawangi, Sukakarya, East Cikarang, Sukatani, Babelan, and Muaragembong Districts.

"For Muaragembong in Pantai Harapan Jaya Village, and specifically in Setu District, there was a tornado disaster," he said.

The local government together with the police and the TNI continue to monitor in order to deal with residents affected by flooding in several locations.

"Approximately 5,672 heads of affected families have been handled by officers in the field and the water has also started to recede today," he said.

He explained that the flood disaster started with heavy rain accompanied by strong winds from Saturday (6/2) to Sunday (7/2). The high intensity rain caused stagnation of water in 92 points spread across 27 villages and sub-districts.

His party noted that at least 13,021 families were victims of the floods and tornadoes that hit Setu District on Sunday (7/2).

"For houses affected by tornadoes, 38 houses were severely damaged and 35 others were slightly damaged," he said.

Apart from rain and wind, he said, flooding was also caused by the overflowing of a number of rivers into the settlements of residents who live along the rivers.

"Like the overflow of water from the Ciherang, Cibeet and Citarum rivers," he said.

The local government has alerted rubber boats to evacuate residents affected by the flood. In addition, volunteers assisted by the police and the TNI also distributed logistical assistance and set up flood posts in several places for direct handling at flood locations.

Henri appealed to the public to remain aware of the extreme weather that is currently happening. This condition is predicted to continue in the next few months.