Overflow Of Lhok Gaca River, 14 Workers In Leupung Rescued By BPBD After 5 Hours Trapped

BPBD Aceh Besar evacuated 14 workers who were reportedly trapped as a result of the Lhok Gaca Leupung River in Gampong Lamsenia, ANTARA/HO-BPBD Aceh Besar

Aceh Besar ACEH - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Aceh Besar evacuated 14 construction workers who were trapped due to the overflow of the Lhok Gaca Leupung River in Gampong Lamsenia, Leupung District, on Monday morning.

"We received information from the owners of the workers' places that 14 people were trapped together with where they worked," said Head of BPBD Aceh Besar Ridwan Jamil in Lambaro, Antara, Monday, October 20.

He explained that the workers who were building around the river embankment panicked as the water began to overflow due to heavy rains with high intensity in the area.

"The water discharge has increased since 22.15 WIB, and the river flow is getting heavier, so workers contact building owners to ask for help," said Ridwan.

The project owner then contacted the local BPBD, Polsek, and Koramil to ask for evacuation assistance. The team from Pusdalops and the Aceh Besar BPBD Damkar along with TNI/Polri personnel went straight to the location with rescue equipment.

Arriving at the location, the officers first observed the current conditions and determined the evacuation strategy. The rescue process was dramatic because the river current was heavy and the distance that had to be reached was about 300 meters.

"For the first stage, six people were successfully evacuated, then the team returned to the river currents to evacuate eight other workers," said Ridwan.

He added that all workers were finally successfully evacuated safely at around 03.05 WIB. The victims were temporarily accommodated at the Leupung Balee Mosque for recovery and data collection.

BPBD Aceh Besar also appealed to the public to immediately report if an emergency situation or dangerous incident occurred.

"We are opening an emergency call service at Emergency Call number 0811 6713 113. Please the public not delay reporting if they need help," said Ridwan.