Jember Was Again Hit By Floods, Now Extending To 5 Districts

Floods in Jember / BNPB Public Relations

JAKARTA - Jember Regency, East Java Province has been hit by floods again since Thursday, January 20 at 21.50 WIB. Previously, floods had submerged three villages in three sub-districts on Monday, January 17, 2022.

This time, the flood again submerged Jember and spread to five sub-districts, namely Pakis Village in Panti District, Badean Village and Petung Village in Bangsalsari District. Furthermore, Rambigudam Village and Pecoro Village in Rambi Puji District, Klungkung Village in Sukorambi District and Kaliwates District.

"The Jember Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that its area was again hit by floods with water levels varying from 70 to 90 centimeters," said Plt. Head of BNPB Disaster Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari in his statement, Friday, January 21.

It was recorded that as many as 124 families or around 455 people were affected by the flood. There were 10 residents who took refuge in the Baiturrahman Pecoro Mosque. In addition, material losses were recorded as 16 affected housing units and 3 moderately damaged housing units.

Abdul Muhari said that Jember Regency BPBD officers had coordinated with relevant agencies for handling victims, especially for evacuation and logistical assistance for affected victims.

"Conditions at the location of the incident have now receded, including in the area of the Badean Bridge which was previously submerged, it has also receded," said Abdul Muhari. Therefore, Abdul Muhari urges residents to remain vigilant if the water rises again. The officers also carried out the cleaning of the mud left over from the flood, assisted by volunteers.

Furthermore, in the InaRISK study, BNPB identified as many as 31 sub-districts with moderate to high potential flood hazard. The three sub-districts currently affected are included in the area with the potential for this hazard.

Abdul Muhari asked the local government and the public to be alert and ready to anticipate and mitigate the impact of the wet hydrometeorological disaster at the peak of the rainy season from January to February.

"Anticipation can be done with various steps, such as monitoring and cleaning materials that block river flow, preparing temporary evacuation sites with health protocols, and socializing to residents for family preparedness plans, especially to residents whose houses are prone to flooding," he concluded.