BPBD Urges East Kotawaringin Coastal Communities To Beware Of Rob Floods

The Archives - Ujung Pandaran Beach, is one of the coastal areas in East Kotawaringin Regency. BETWEEN/Makna Zaezar

SAMPIT - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan appealed to coastal communities to be aware of the potential for tidal flooding or high tides and their impacts.

"We received reports of high tides in Samuda, Mentaya Hilir Selatan District. We urge the public to be vigilant, especially in terms of safety," said East Kotawaringin BPBD Chief Executive Multazam in Sampit, Antara, Sunday, May 4.

Floods due to the tide of the Mentaya River often occur, especially in the southern region which includes the Districts of Mentaya Hilir Selatan, Sampit Bay, Hanaut Island and North Mentaya Hilir.

Geographically, these four sub-districts are close to the sea estuary, even two sub-districts are right on the coast, namely Sampit Bay and Hanaut Island.

Several areas were affected by high tides, including roads along the river in Jaya Kelapa Village and Jaya Karet Village, Mentaya Hilir Selatan District, causing a number of houses to be submerged. In addition, an increase in river discharge also occurred in villages and other sub-districts in the southern region.

The large tide of the Mentaya River is the impact of high tides. Although this often happens, people are expected to always be vigilant so that things don't happen that are not desirable.

Safety must always be a major concern. Dangerous events must be prevented, such as the threat of drowning victims and attacks by wild animals such as crocodiles which are now increasingly appearing. Even Saturday (3/5) there was a crocodile attack on a resident of Central Bagendang Village, fortunately the victim managed to survive.

Based on the results of coordination with the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Multazam said, it was explained that the "Super New Moon" phenomenon had an impact on the potential to increase the maximum sea level in several areas, including the coastal area of Central Kalimantan.

Super New Moon is a condition when the moon is at its closest point to Earth when a new moon phase occurs. During this event, because the distance of the moon is slightly closer, the moon will be slightly larger than usual.

As a result of this natural phenomenon, the public is advised to be aware of the potential for tidal flooding.

For the prediction of tidal heights this month, the dominant is higher than usual and the highest tidal state, especially the Central Kalimantan area, is expected to potentially occur in the first 10 days and the end of May.

"We continue to coordinate with all relevant parties in anticipation and prevent unwanted things. We also continue to monitor the development of the situation on the ground," said Multazam.