11 Subdistricts In Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan Flooded, BPBD Reminds Potential To Expand Due To Rain Intensity

Floods in a number of areas of Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan, a number of road accesses were affected by flooding. (ANTARA/HO-Teofilusianto Timothy)

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) revealed that 11 sub-districts in Kapuas Hulu in West Kalimantan (Kalbar) were flooded.

Head of Prevention and Preparedness of Kapuas Hulu BPBD Yanto Susanto asked the people in the area to increase their vigilance and prioritize safety.

"Flooding is still widespread in a number of sub-districts, we urge residents to increase vigilance and prioritize safety, especially parents, to supervise their children," he said in Putussibau, Kapuas Hulu, Friday, October 18, as reported by Antara.

Yanto conveyed that of the 23 sub-districts in Kapuas Hulu Regency, 11 of them were hit by floods, which were caused by the high intensity of rain.

It is known that flooding began to occur since last Wednesday (16/10), in a number of sub-districts and floods, it still has the potential to expand. Currently, Kapuas Hulu BPBD officers are conducting data collection and waiting for reports from each sub-district.

"We have not been able to convey data including the number of residents and public facilities affected by the flood, because we are still collecting data and waiting for reports from villages and sub-districts," he said.

In general, the current floods hit 11 sub-districts, namely South Putussibau District, Silat Hilir, Silat Hulu, Seberuang, Hulu Gurung, Pengkadan, Boyan Tanjung, Bunut Hulu, Batang Lupar, Kalis and Badau Districts.

Yanto said the sub-district data affected by the flood could increase, because the flood is currently widespread and the water discharge is still rising.

He reminded all people in flood-prone areas to always be ready, as well as secure documents and valuables.

"We hope that the village heads and sub-district heads will immediately report the development of flooding in their respective areas and immediately take anticipatory steps, especially regarding the handling of residents, there are floods," said Yanto.

Yanto also said that Kapuas Hulu BPBD officers were alerted 24 hours alternately to carry out monitoring and help evacuate if there were residents who needed assistance.

Meanwhile, from the information obtained by ANTARA, access to national roads was affected by flooding, such as in Hulu Gurung, Kalis and Badau sub-districts.

Monitoring at the flood site, road access in Barak Bay, Kedamin Hilir, South Putussibau District, cannot be passed by vehicles with water depth estimated at 50-70 cm from above the ground level.

As of Thursday, October 17 at 16.20 WIB, the water discharge was still rising and a number of residents in Kedamin Hilir Village used boats as alternative means of transportation.