Three People Died As A Result Of Flash Floods In Panjang, Bandarlampung

Illustration of floods (ANTARA)

BANDARLAMPUNG Flash floods that hit the Panjang area, Bandarlampung City, Lampung Province, Monday, April 21 in the morning, caused three people to die and dozens of houses were submerged in water. Floods occurred due to heavy rains that flushed the city from 01.00 to 02.00 WIB.

The Lampung Province Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that the Bandarlampung City BPBD Rapid Response Team (TRC) had evacuated the three victims who died.

"Three people have died and have been evacuated by the Bandarlampung BPBD TRC," said Public Relations of the Lampung Province BPBD, Wahyu Hidayat, in a written statement quoted from ANTARA.

The first victim named Puluhan (15) was found under the car. The second victim, Diding (45), was also found dead not far from the scene. Meanwhile, Kunawati (59), the third victim, was found dead when she was hit by a cupboard in her flooded house.

"The three bodies have been evacuated to the A Dadi Tjokrodipo Regional General Hospital, Bandarlampung," Wahyu explained.

In addition to causing casualties, the flood also caused physical damage at a number of points. Dozens of houses in Panjang District were submerged, some of which were severely damaged.

Public facilities such as environmental roads and drainage channels were also affected. A number of vehicles were reported to have been swept away by the current, and road access was cut off due to puddles reaching a height of 1 meter in several locations.

Until now, officers from BPBD, the Rescue Service and Fire Department, as well as other related agencies are still at the location to assist in the evacuation and data collection of damage.

"We urge the public to remain vigilant, especially against potential flooding, because the weather in Bandarlampung City is currently still in a moderately rainy condition," said Wahyu.

Responding to the disaster, Bandarlampung Mayor Eva Dwiana expressed deep concern and immediately instructed all relevant ranks to move quickly to deal with the impact of the flood.

"We are sorry for the victims who died. We have deployed a team to the field to help the affected residents. The government will also immediately distribute logistical assistance and establish an emergency post," Eva said in her official statement.

The Bandarlampung City Government also plans to accelerate the improvement of drainage infrastructure which is considered unable to accommodate water discharge during heavy rains. Evaluation of the water management system and disaster preparedness will be a further focus in the near future.