15 People Were Reportedly Drowned By Flash Floods In Batu City

PHOTO BETWEEN

BATU CITY - As many as 15 people were reported to have been swept away by flash floods in Batu City, East Java when high rainfall intensity lashed the upstream area of ​​the Brantas Watershed (DAS) on the slopes of Mount Arjuno.

Head of Emergency and Logistics for the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Batu City, Achmad Choirur Rochim, said that based on preliminary reports, the flash flood caused 15 people to be dragged away by the overflowing river.

"Four people have been found, all safe. Meanwhile, 11 others have not been found," he said, quoted by Antara, Thursday, November 4.

Based on a temporary visual report from the Batu City BPBD, the current of the Brantas River tributary that passes in Sumber Brantas Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City, was observed to be flowing fast carrying several materials, such as mud, stones, tree pieces, and building debris.

The flash flood has affected five villages in Bumiaji District, Batu City. The details are Sumber Brantas Village, Bulu Kerto Village, Tulung Rejo Village, Padang Rejo Village, and Sidomulyo Village.

"Five villages are affected by the Brantas River," said Rochim.

Data on material losses temporarily recorded by the Batu City BPBD includes four vehicles that were swept away and one house submerged. Other loss data is still in the process of being assessed in the field.

To accelerate the handling of the Flash floods, the Batu City BPBD Team assisted by various relevant agencies, including the TNI and Police, have coordinated, conducted a rapid assessment, collected further data, and prepared evacuation locations.

The team also focused on searching for victims and evacuating or rescuing residents affected by flooding as well as cleaning up facilities and infrastructure affected by Flash floods.

"Emergency operations are already underway, but for tonight the focus is on seeking help as well as cleaning and restoring vital infrastructure and roads covered in mud," said Rochim.