Floods Affected In 4 Districts, Jayapura City Government Sets Emergency Response Status For A Week

Members of the Papuan Regional Police help residents affected by flooding in the Youtefa Market area (ANTARA/HO)

JAYAPURA - The Jayapura City Government, Papua, has declared an emergency response status related to natural disasters that occurred in four districts in the area.

"The emergency response status was decided after Forkopimda held a meeting at the mayor's office in Jayapura," said Jayapura Mayor Benhur Tomi Mano in Jayapura, Antara, Friday, January 7.

He said the emergency response status lasted for a week. The city government is currently opening three command posts at Youtefa Market, SMA Negeri 4 Entrop, and Organda Housing for disaster management.

During the emergency response period, the victims will be given food assistance three times a day, while the health team will provide health services to people who are sick.

Regarding the refugee data, he said, it was not final because officers in the field were still collecting data.

It is estimated that around 7,000 people were victims of floods and landslides in the Districts of North Jayapura, South Jayapura, Abepura, and Heram.

"Thank God the Muara Tami District is safe because previously it was feared the embankment would burst," he said.

He added that residents are still aware of the possibility of aftershocks, especially those who live on mountain slopes.

"I have asked RT/RW to remind residents to be vigilant, especially those living on mountain slopes and if possible temporarily evacuate to relatives or a safe place," he said.

The worst flood disaster occurred in Youtefa Market, Organda Housing, SMA 4 Entrop, and Perumnas IV. Landslides occurred in four locations, namely Nirwana, Bhayangkara, APO Bengkel, and Klofkam, causing seven people to die and six people to be injured.