Citarum Bank Collapse, 553 KK in Muaragembong Bekasi Affected by Flooding

CIKARANG - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Bekasi Regency recorded as many as 553 families in Pantai Bakti Village, Muaragembong District, affected by flooding due to the collapse of the Citarum River embankment on Tuesday, January 20 in the early morning.

Head of Emergency and Logistics of the Bekasi Regency BPBD Dody Supriyadi said the flood occurred after the discharge of the Citarum River increased significantly, causing the water retention dam to break through along approximately eight meters.

"The increase in the discharge of the Citarum River caused the embankment to collapse. The water then overflowed and flooded the residents' settlements with a height of up to 60 centimeters," said Dody when confirmed in Cikarang, Antara, Tuesday, January 20.

Based on the results of the field assessment, hundreds of families affected by the flood were spread across five villages. A total of 141 affected households were in Bendungan Village RT 03/05, while another 105 households were in Gedung Cinde Village RT 01/05.

In addition, the flood also submerged 152 KK settlements in Singkil Village RT 02/06, 30 KK in Gedung Bokor Village RT 03/03, and 125 KK in Biyombong Village RT 03/06.

Dody said that until now there were no reports of residents who had evacuated or casualties due to the incident. Water levels in settlements varied between 10 to 60 centimeters, and most residents chose to stay in their respective homes while monitoring the still-rising water conditions.

The Bekasi Regency BPBD continues to coordinate and data collection with village, RT, and RW officials, as well as local regional elements. In addition, logistical assistance has been distributed to meet the basic needs of affected residents.

"The logistics that we sent included a bridge, sacks, tarpaulins, ready-to-eat food, mineral water, and grocery packages," said Dody.

He added that his party also recommended the construction of a permanent turap along the banks of the Citarum River as a long-term mitigation measure to prevent similar incidents.

"We are still deploying personnel at the location to anticipate the possibility of an increase in water discharge," he said.