6 Neighborhood Units In Cipinang Melayu, East Jakarta Are Flooded, Some Residents Are Evacuated

JAKARTA - A total of 6 Neighborhood units in Cipinang Melayu Village, East Jakarta, were flooded up to 50 centimeters. This flood point is located on the banks of the Ciliwung river.

The head of Cipinang Melayu village, Arroyantoro, said that the flood was caused by the flow of water from upstream. As of 18.00 p.m. local time, the water level at the Sunter Hulu Sluice is in Alert 2 status.

"Yes, Cipinang Melayu has started to flood. This is because of Sunter Hulu. If it rains, it looks like it won't rain here," Arroy said when contacted by VOI, Monday, November 1.

Arroy said that a number of residents of Cipinang Melayu were evacuated and taken to a refugee camp. Residents who are displaced on average live in houses that do not have a 2nd floor.

"They were evacuated because in this neighborhood there are houses with one floor and some with two floors. Some of them are knee-deep, some were evacuated because they don't have a second floor," explained Arroy.

Residents of Neighborhood unit 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 who were affected by the flood are currently being evacuated in front of the Neighborhood unit 04 Post Office, or under the Becakayu Toll Road.

Currently, Cipinang Melayu Village is still monitoring the water level at the Sunter Hulu Sluice. If tonight the water supply from upstream increases, the evacuation of residents will be concentrated at one point. "Later, if the development is higher tonight, I will concentrate it on the Borobudur campus," said Arroy.

"If it's not centralized, it's difficult to provide food, health, and clean water. So, it has to be in one location. If it's separated, I'm afraid the health protocol won't be monitored," he continued.

Currently, the Cipinang Melayu Urban Village has coordinated with related judiciaries such as the East Jakarta Social Service Sub-dept., the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), and local residents regarding the distribution of logistical assistance.