Mountains Foot Residents Asked To Beware Of River Overflow

Meratus Mountains (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Regional Disaster Management Agency of Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency (BPBD HST), South Kalimantan asked residents who inhabit the foot of the Meratus Mountains to remain aware of the potential for overflowing rivers in three locations due to high rainfall.

"A number of points have been inundated after heavy rains since Sunday, January 26 morning," said Head of BPBD HST Akhmad Apandadi in Barabai, HST quoting Antara.

He appealed to people in the foot area of the Meratus Mountains, especially those on the banks of rivers and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant.

"Currently there is an increase in the water discharge in mountainous areas due to rain with low, moderate, and high intensity which causes river water to overflow. Stay alert and don't panic," he said.

Apandi also asked the public to secure electricity, valuables, and fill clean water reservoirs to avoid unwanted things.

Based on the information gathered, the puddle was caused by overflowing parts of the Barabai River, Hantakan River, and Haruyan River.

A member of the Haruyan Police, Bripka Siraji Vomika, said the water discharge situation in his area was around Sunday (26/1) night at around 19.15 WITA, which had inundated the Hauryan Police area to roads and settlements with a depth as high as adult knees.

He said that in the Haruyan Police area, there was an increase in the water discharge by about 40 centimeters or up to the knee of adults, residents were advised to continue to be careful considering that the rainfall was still continuing.

In addition, he said, another member, Bripka Riri, also reported that the water discharge condition at the Manggasang Tourism, Hantakan River, had increased by about one meter starting at 16.30 WITA.

"The water condition is also so cloudy and the flow is heavy which is sent from the Hulu Meratus flow," said Riri.