Floods Hit Several Regions Of Indonesia, Hundreds Of People Affected

Floods in East Aceh Regency (doc BPBP)

JAKARTA The wet hydrometeorological disaster due to moderate to high rain intensity has hit a number of areas in Indonesia again. The BNPB Operations Control Center (Pusdalops) reported that flooding occurred in several areas, including East Aceh, North Sumatra, and Riau.

East Aceh Floods in East Aceh Regency, floods have hit Pante Bidari District since Monday (13/1) at 07.00 local time. Heavy rains that have lasted for the past few days have caused river overflows to inundate 78 residents' houses. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) together with a joint team immediately evacuated the affected residents to a safe place.

Although evacuation efforts have been carried out, the water discharge in the area is still increasing. The local BPBD appealed to the public to remain alert to the potential for further flooding.

Floods in North Sumatra in Binjai City, North Sumatra, were caused by the overflow of three rivers, namely the Bangkatan River, Binjai River, and Mencharim River, after heavy rains flushed the area. Floods as high as 20 100 cm submerged 169 houses in West Rambung Village, South Binjai District. As many as 807 people were affected. As of Monday afternoon, the water began to recede to an altitude of 2050 cm.

Meanwhile, in Medan City, floods hit two sub-districts, namely Medan Marelan District and Medan Belawan District, on the same day. A total of 680 people were affected, with water levels in the Falls Village reaching 90 130 cm.

Some residents in this village fled to the Lurah Office, while residents in Belawan Village chose to stay at home despite flooding as high as 20'40 cm. The Medan City BPBD distributed food aid and evacuated affected residents.

Riau: Subayang River Overflows in Kampar Regency in Riau Province, floods hit Kampar Kiri District, Kampar Regency, due to overflowing Subayang River on Monday morning (13/1). A total of 456 people were affected, with 180 houses and one educational facility flooded. Water levels vary from 10 to 100 cm, causing road access to be paralyzed.

BPBD Kampar Regency deployed fiber boats and drones to carry out air monitoring and ensure quick assistance was provided to affected residents. Data collection on the number of victims and damage continues.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, reminded the public to continue to increase vigilance in the midst of extreme weather that hit various parts of Indonesia.

Heavy rain still has the potential to occur. We urge the public to always monitor weather information and prepare mitigation measures to reduce disaster risk," he said.