31,013 Residents In Palangka Raya Affected By Flood

PHOTO VIA BETWEEN

PALANGKA RAYA - As many as 31,013 residents in the city of Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan became victims of flooding due to the overflow of a large river flowing through the local area.

"The city government also focuses on handling the victims, especially to ensure that the needs for beds, food, medicine and clean water in the refugee camps are met," said Palangka Raya Mayor Fairid Naparin, quoted by Antara, Friday, November 19.

The city government together with various related parties have also evacuated the victims at the posts that have been established, and set up public kitchens to meet the food needs of the flood victims.

"For logistical and health needs, we make sure they are safe. We also ask the refugees to continue to apply health protocols so that new clusters of COVID-19 do not appear later," Fairid said.

The Palangka Raya City Government together with the local Drinking Water Company (PDAM) also guarantees the availability of clean water for the needs of the refugees.

He said that currently most of the flood victims live in shelters prepared by the government, some live in independent shelters and some live in relatives' homes.

Meanwhile, based on data released by the BPBD of Palangka Raya City as of Friday, November 19, there were 31,013 residents consisting of 8,876 families who were victims of the flood.

The victims came from 21 villages out of a total of 30 villages spread across five sub-districts in the capital city of Central Kalimantan Province. The highest number of flood victims was in the Pahandut Village area with 15,000 people, followed by Pahandut Seberang Village with 4,024 people.

Not only submerging thousands of houses, the flood of the large river crossing Palangka Raya also inundated public facilities such as schools, village offices, places of worship and markets.

Until now, in general, the flood conditions that hit "City of Beauty" began to decline between 2-20 centimeters. Residents have not been able to return to their homes because the floods are still inundating the settlements.

"I also ask the community, especially in areas along the river to be aware of rising water. Do not let the electricity flow on the floor in a lit condition. This is dangerous and can cause an electric short circuit," Fairid said.