Heavy Flood Hits Sekotong West Lombok, One Resident Dies

Illustration of flooding (ANTARA)

GERUNG - Heavy rain triggered flash floods in Sekotong District, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). This disaster killed one resident, washed away houses, and flooded settlements in a number of villages since Tuesday, January 13 night.

Water entered the houses suddenly with varying heights, ranging from knee-high to the chest of adults. The police and joint teams immediately evacuated residents and secured the affected points.

Sekotong Police Chief Iptu I Ketut Suriarta explained that water discharge monitoring had been carried out since the rain began to increase at night. At that time, the puddle slowly entered the residential area.

"High rainfall lasts for quite some time so that rivers and waterways are not able to accommodate the discharge," he said, Wednesday, January 14.

Floods were recorded submerging dozens of villages in several villages. In Buwun Mas Village, Kemanuk Village was submerged in water up to the knees, while Bengkang Village became the worst area with puddles reaching the chest of adults. In Persiapan Blongas Village, Sauh Village was reported to be submerged up to the thighs.

Taman Baru Village was also affected. Five villages, namely Kelep, Eyat Pace, Repuk Gapuk, Batu Putih, and Gelumpang, were flooded. Flooding also occurred in Sekotong Tengah Village and Empol Timur Village, Persiapan Empol Village.

The sudden flow of water made it difficult for residents to save themselves. A resident of Sauh Village was reported dead after allegedly being swept away by the current. The victim's body has been evacuated and handed over to the family.

Material losses also occurred. One house in Bengkang Village was swept away by the river. The house was known to be unoccupied at the time of the incident.

The handling of the flood was led by the police with BPBD and West Lombok Basarnas. Even though the water began to recede, the officers remained on alert. Residents are urged to be alert to the potential for follow-up rain that could trigger a new flood in the area.