Floods Submerge Four Villages In East Kotawaringin

JAKARTA - Floods again submerged four villages in the northern region of East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, due to high rainfall in the last few days.

"There are several villages that have reported. So far, four villages have been recorded," said Head of the East Kotawaringin Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Multazam in Sampit, as reported by ANTARA, Monday, May 27.

Data compiled by the East Kotawaringin BPBD, the four villages that were being hit by the flood were in two sub-districts. Three villages are located in Telaga Antang District which includes Tumbang Boloi Village, Tumbang Bajenei and Tumbang Sangai RT 01, while one other village is Tumbang Manya Village, Antang Kalang District.

Flood conditions that occurred in three villages in Telaga Antang District reached a water level of 50-120 centimeters, while floods in Antang Kalang District ranged from 50-80 centimeters.

These four villages are located in the northern region of East Kotawaringin which is also an upstream area of the river. Some areas north covering six sub-districts namely Parenggean, Mentaya Hulu, Antang Kalang, Telaga Antang, Tualan Hulu and Bukit Santuai, are often hit by floods during the rainy season like now.

The current deep floods have disrupted people's activities. Residents are also increasingly aware that the possibility of flooding is still surviving or even deepening due to the frequent rain.

Multazam appealed to the public to remain alert to the possibility that could occur. His party also coordinates with the sub-district and village governments to monitor the development of conditions from time to time.

If needed, emergency response efforts are carried out accompanied by distribution of aid for victims affected by the flood. This step was taken with the relevant agencies, especially the Social Service.

"The plan is for the TRC (Quick Response Team) to go down to the location to conduct a rapid assessment of conditions in the field as a consideration in handling," said Multazam.

The East Kotawaringin BPBD also continues to coordinate with the BMKG Haji Asan Sampit Meteorological Station to monitor weather developments and forecasts.

This is part of early anticipation of possible changes in weather that have the potential for disasters such as floods, landslides, strong winds and others in the hope that the public can increase their vigilance so as to reduce potential risks.