Aftershocks Hit East Aceh, Residents Refuge

Photo Illustration: Antara

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of East Aceh Regency stated that aftershocks hit a number of villages in the district following heavy rains in the past day.

Head of BPBD East Aceh Regency Afifullah, said the floods occurred in Gampong Aceh and Gampong Keude Blang, Idi Rayeuk District.

"The floods in these two villages are further flooding after residents cleaned their houses. However, because the rain continued to pour, the water rose again," said Afifullah, ANTARA, Sunday, December 7.

He said that this flood occurred due to high rainfall from Saturday, December 6 night until Sunday, December 7, morning, causing the drainage and river flow channels to be unable to accommodate water discharge.

Afifullah said that the community had previously returned home after the flood on Wednesday, November 26, but was now again faced with a disaster emergency.

Residents' concerns, he said, were increasing due to previous flood experiences that suddenly came and caused them to be trapped in the house.

"Residents chose to evacuate again because they were afraid that something like yesterday would happen again, where the water rose quickly and had trapped some residents in the house," he said.

The BPBD team continues to monitor the development of flood conditions at a number of points. The team in the field is also on standby to evacuate if there is a significant increase in water discharge.

In addition, the BPBD team together with elements of the TNI, Polri, and sub-district governments continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, especially those living in areas prone to inundation. Residents are asked to immediately move away to safer places if the water rises again.

Afifullah also said that his party was still collecting data regarding the impact of the aftershocks, including the number of houses that had been submerged again and residents who had fled.

"Until now, the rain still has the potential to fall in East Aceh Regency. We remind the public not to be careless and remain vigilant in order to avoid unwanted things," said Afifullah.