A Week of Being Submerged in Floods, Residents of Serang Begin to Suffer from Itchy Itch

A number of residents are resting in a refugee tent in Binuang, Serang Regency, Banten, Sunday (18/1/2026). (ANTARA/Desi Purnama Sari)

JAKARTA - A number of residents who were victims of flooding in Kuranji Village, Jakung Village, Binuang District, Serang Regency, Banten, after a week their houses were submerged in water, complained of itching, skin disorders, and fever.

One of the residents affected by the flood, Hilmi in Serang, Sunday, revealed that the health condition of the refugees was getting worse every day. The damp environment worsened the situation, especially for those with weak immune systems.

"Residents have started complaining of itching and fever because they have to be constantly exposed to an unhealthy environment," said Hilmi when met at the location.

Apart from physical health problems, Hilmi also highlighted the evacuation facilities which were considered very inadequate. According to him, the temporary shelter currently in place does not provide adequate protection, especially when bad weather strikes again.

"The condition of the evacuation tent is also worrying, if it rains, it leaks and the floor is muddy, so we find it difficult to rest," he added.

The flood that has not subsided has also paralyzed the activities of residents completely over the past week. The murky water, mixed with mud, and garbage are suspected to be the main cause of poor environmental sanitation, making it a breeding ground for germs that trigger health problems for survivors.

Thus, residents are asking the Serang Regency Government (Pemkab) to take faster and more concrete action. He hopes that there will be an effort to drain water or improve drainage so that the flood will soon recede, considering that the wheels of the economy and the activities of the residents have been completely dead for a week.

A similar complaint was made by Imas, a housewife who was also a victim of the flood in the area. Imas admitted that he was very worried because the conditions in the evacuation were inadequate and there was no clean water.

"The children are pitiful, they don't sleep well if it rains, this tent leaks. We are confused, we want to clean the body, clean water is also difficult to get," he said.

The residents of Jakung Village are now eagerly waiting for the government and related services to lend a hand. Emergency handling, especially health services, clean water supply, and repair of evacuation tents, are the top priorities that are urgently needed by the residents today in order to prevent a wider outbreak of disease.