Malang Floods Pollute 200 Wells, Thousands Of Residents Now Clean Water Crisis!

Illustration of clean water wells (ANTARA)

The 1.5 meter high flood that hit the Sumbermjing Wetan District, Malang Regency, East Java on Friday, September 20, left a serious impact on thousands of residents. In addition to submerging settlements, the flood also polluted hundreds of wells that were the source of clean water for residents with mud and other materials.

At least 200 wells belonging to residents were reportedly filled with mud due to floods that hit four hamlets in Sitiarjo Village, namely Central Krajan Hamlet, Krajan Kulon, Krajan Wetan, and Roworate. This incident affected more than 2,228 people from 830 families.

The Head of Emergency and Logistics Division of the Malang Regency BPBD, Sadono Irawanc, said that the flood not only submerged houses and environmental roads, but also polluted residents' clean water sources.

"Flood water carries mud and tree branches, entering the residents' yard and wells. As many as 200 residents' wells have been affected, to this day we have cleaned 53 wells," said Sadono, Wednesday, September 24.

In the recovery process, a joint team from BPBD, the Health Service, and other technical agencies cleaned wells in stages. On Tuesday (23/9/2025), there were 31 wells spread across six hamlets that were successfully drained and cleaned by joint officers.

Sadono added that not all affected wells would be cleaned by a joint team. Some wells have experienced light pollution and have returned to clarity, while others have been cleaned independently by residents.

The cleaning was carried out using a manual method with the help of light equipment. In addition to draining, the team also provided clarity from the Health Office so that well water was again suitable for use.

"Cleaning is done manually and using heavy equipment together with the PU Bina Marga Province and Malang Regency," he said.

The flood, which lasted for about six hours, submerged a settlement covering an area of about 1.49 hectares. Even though the water has receded, the emergency response team is still facing challenges in the form of piles of mud and damage to clean water sources.

"We are assisted by various agencies to carry out cleaning. We also distribute assistance, draining wells, to cleaning lanes and waterways," added Sadono.

Sadono appealed to the public to remain alert to the potential for hydrometeorological disasters that could occur at any time in the Malang Regency area.