BPBD Bandung Regency and SAR Team Still Searching for Woman Swept Away in Citarum River

BANDUNG The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Bandung Regency, West Java, together with the joint SAR team, continues to search for a woman named Julaeha (52), a resident of Dayeuhkolot District, who has reportedly been swept away in the Citarum River since Thursday, November 21.

Head of the Bandung Regency BPBD Emergency and Logistics Division, Beny Sonjaya, explained that the search was carried out by walking along the Citarum River to the West Bandung border.

"We continue to search for victims by walking along the Citarum River in Bandung Regency to the border area," said Beny in Bandung Regency, quoted by ANTARA, Sunday, November 24.

According to Beny, based on preliminary information, Julaeha, who works as a scavenger, was looking for garbage by the river when the water discharge suddenly increased due to heavy rains.

"This condition is purely caused by the high water discharge of the river. The victim did not have time to save himself when the water overflowed," he said.

To optimize the search, BPBD collaborated with the Basarnas team using a rubber boat to search the location where the victim first drowned.

"The search process has been carried out since Thursday, and so far it has reached sector 8. Today we are continuing our search with the Basarnas team," said Beny.

Beny also appealed to the public to increase their vigilance, especially when doing activities around the Citarum River, considering the condition of the water discharge is still high.

"We urge the public to be more careful, especially during high rainfall. Prioritize safety when around the Citarum River to avoid similar incidents," he said.

Until now, the search for Julaeha is still ongoing. BPBD and the SAR team hope that victims can be found soon, although the search field is quite challenging due to the high water discharge of the river.