The Ministry Of Public Works Lowers Two Heavy Equipment For Normalization Of Flood-affected Rivers In Sorong

West Papua BWS took swift action to overcome the impact of flooding in Sorong City and Regency, West Papua. Photo: Doc. Ministry of Public Works

The Ministry of Public Works (PU) is taking quick steps to deal with floods that hit Sorong Regency and City, West Papua Province.

Currently, the Ministry of Public Works through the West Papua River Basin Center (BWS) has deployed two excavators to dredge and normalize on two affected river sections, namely the Makbusun canal in SP 3, Mayamuk District, and the Klafma River in Aimasi District, Sorong Regency.

This step was taken to facilitate the flow of water, reduce inundation and minimize the risk of aftershocks in the affected areas.

In addition, the team also identified five river sections in Sorong Regency and three river sections in Sorong City for volume data collection and priority handling.

PU Minister Dody Hanggodo emphasized that public safety is the main focus of the government.

"We continue to prioritize the safety and comfort of the affected communities. The Ministry of Public Works will provide full support in dealing with the impact of flooding in Sorong City and Regency," said Dody in a written statement, Wednesday, September 17.

Meanwhile, Head of West Papua River Basin Center (BWS) Wempy Nauw said the team in the field had moved to conduct a thorough study.

"We together with the Director of Operations and Maintenance have also directly reviewed several affected river sections to identify problems while creating a modeling for emergency and permanent handling," he said.

Menurut dia, BWS Papua Barat tengah menyusun rencana prioritas penanganan tanggap darurat pada ruas sungai yang menggenangi pemukiman, fasilitas umum dan lahan pertanian masyarakat.

Adapun bencana banjir terjadi di Kabupaten dan Kota Sorong, Provinsi Papua Barat, sejak Minggu, 14 September 2025 lalu. Banjir diakibatkan curah hujan ekstrem lebih dari 150 mm per hari yang disertai pasang surut air laut, sehingga menyebabkan meluapnya aliran lima sungai utama, yakni Sungai Klagison, Klasaman, Mariat, Klamalu dan Makbusun.

According to him, the West Papua BWS is currently preparing a priority plan for handling emergency response on river sections that inundate settlements, public facilities and community agricultural land.

The flood disaster occurred in Sorong Regency and City, West Papua Province, since last Sunday, September 14, 2025. The flood was caused by extreme rainfall of more than 150 mm per day accompanied by tides, causing the overflow of the five main rivers, namely the Klagison, Klasaman, Mariat, Klamalu and Makbusun rivers.