Floods In Pekalongan, 6,619 People Affected

Pekalongan flood, Central Java (photo via BNPB)

JAKARTA - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported flooding in Pekalongan Regency, Central Java. This flood occurred due to heavy rains that flushed since last night.

"As many as 6,619 people have been affected by flooding in Pekalongan Regency, due to the high intensity rain that has occurred since Monday at 19.00 WIB," said Head of the BNPB Disaster Data Center, Raditya Jati in his statement, Tuesday, January 19.

Raditya said, the water level ranges from 5 to 80 centimeters. This flood was affected in four districts, including Tirto District, Sragi District, Siwalan District, and Kedungwuni District.

Meanwhile, material loss was recorded that approximately 2,075 housing units were submerged. The details are 717 housing units in Tirto District, 495 housing units in Sragi District, 894 housing units in Siwalan District, and 5 housing units in Kedungwuni District.

"The immediate needs for the affected residents are logistics and food needs," said Raditya.

Raditya said the BPBD of Pekalongan Regency reported that the current conditions at the flood site had started to recede. BPBD is conducting rapid assessments and coordination with relevant agencies in carrying out evacuations and post-flood handling.

According to him, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the Central Java region, especially Pekalangon Regency, has the potential to experience light to moderate rain for the next three days.

"BNPB urges the public to always be vigilant and alert to the rainy season which will occur in a number of areas until the end of February 2021," he explained.