JAKARTA - Flooding hit four sub-districts in Melawi Regency, West Kalimantan Province, on Thursday, January 8, at around 05.35 WIB. The hydrometeorological disaster was triggered by heavy intensity rain that flooded the local area since early morning.
Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said that as of Thursday afternoon at 17.45 WIB, a number of areas were still flooded. However, no increase in water levels was observed.
"A total of 14 villages in four sub-districts were affected by flooding. BPBD personnel in Melawi Regency have been at the location to carry out emergency handling and deliver warnings of vigilance to the community in the vulnerable area," said Abdul Muhari.
The flood-affected areas include Tanah Pinoh Sub-district with four villages, Tanah Pinoh Barat Sub-district with seven villages, Belimbing Sub-district with two villages, and Ella Hilir Sub-district with one village. The provisional data recorded the number of affected residents reaching 1,027 families.
In addition to flooding, heavy rain also triggered landslides in Bemban Permai Village, Ella Hilir District. The landslide material closed the village road access, and until now the process of opening the path is still waiting for heavy equipment to be deployed to the location.
BNPB appeals to local governments and the public to increase vigilance considering that the peak of the rainy season is still ongoing. Based on weather forecasts, the West Kalimantan region is still potentially hit by rain with moderate to very heavy intensity in the next two days.
"The synergy and collaboration of all resources in the region are very needed to anticipate the impact of subsequent impacts, such as floods and landslides. The readiness of personnel and equipment support must be ensured to be ready. If evacuation is required, BPBD is asked to ensure the process and location of evacuation is safe for residents," concluded Abdul Muhari.
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