Flood in OKI South Sumatra spreads to 6 districts

PALEMBANG - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) said that the flood that hit Ogan Komering Ilir Regency (OKI), South Sumatra, continued to spread and now submerged six sub-districts.

Head of the BPBD South Sumatra Emergency Management, Sudirman, said that the six sub-districts affected by the flood included Air Sugihan, Lempuing, Lempuing Jaya, Mesuji, Kayu Agung, and Pedamaran.

"Especially in Kayu Agung District, flooding occurred in Jua-jua and Kedaton Villages. Meanwhile, in Pedamaran District, flooding submerged six villages, namely Menang Raya, Cinta Jaya, Pedamaran II, Pedamaran III, Pedamaran IV, and Pedamaran V," he said as reported by ANTARA, Monday, January 19.

His party appealed to the public to increase vigilance considering that the potential for subsequent flooding is still quite high. This condition is influenced by the still high rainfall and the characteristics of the OKI region which is prone to hydrometeorological disasters.

"Currently, it is still the peak of the rainy season, so people in vulnerable areas are asked to remain vigilant against the potential for flooding to spread," said Sudirman.

Meanwhile, the Regent of OKI, Muchendi Mahzareki, reminded the public to remain alert in the face of the peak of the rainy season, which is expected to last until February 2026. He assessed that the condition of rivers and swamps in the OKI region has the potential to overflow and cause flooding.

"Even though in some locations the water has started to recede, the public must remain vigilant. Anticipation and mitigation need to be done together," he said.

His party has also directly reviewed a number of floodgates that have been damaged and congested due to river dredging. It is recorded that four floodgates do not function optimally, exacerbating the flooding in the affected areas.

"We checked together, there are four points that need to be improved. For routes 27 and 29 will be handled by PT BAP, while the rest will be handled by the local government," he explained.

In addition to repairing the sluice gates, the Regent of Muchendi emphasized that the normalization of canals and rivers is a medium and long-term solution in efforts to handle flooding in OKI.

"We need to normalize the river by involving various parties. Flood management must be carried out collaboratively and not only rely on the APBD," he said.