Floods In Paser Regency, East Kalimantan, 450 Residents Evacuate

Floods in East Kalimantan Paser (BNPB PHOTO)

JAKARTA - Floods have hit three sub-districts in Paser Regency, East Kalimantan since Monday, October 4. The flood occurred in Long Ikis District, Muara Komam District, and Batu Sopang District

"Temporary data collected shows that the flood has affected 152 families/717 people. Approximately 450 people have been forced to flee to their relatives' homes", said Head of the BNPB (National Agency for Disaster Management) Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari in his statement, Tuesday, October 5.

Abdul Muhari said that the flood occurred after heavy rains triggered the overflow of rivers in the Kandilo River and Sakerau River.

In addition to the overflow of the two rivers, flooding is also caused by the presence of water sent from the upstream area of the river and the lack of catchment areas in the Kandilo and Sakeau River Watersheds.

It was recorded that 230 houses were flooded with a water level of 100-150 meters, one house was heavily damaged, road access was cut off, and some public and educational facilities were also affected by the flood.

"The BPBD (Regional Disaster Management Agency) of Paser Regency has carried out a quick study and coordinated with related agencies to accelerate flood management in Paser Regency", said Abdul Muhari.

Meanwhile, several aids and coordination posts have been established to facilitate disaster management triggered by weather factors.

Logistics assistance, necessities, and clean water have also been distributed by the Paser Regency BPBD, including the evacuation of residents to safer locations.

"The latest conditions reported by the BPBD team of Paser Regency, the water discharge in Muara Komam District has been observed to increase, but in Long Ikiss District it has begun to recede", he explained.

Furthermore, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued weather forecast information which states that high-intensity rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds have the potential to occur in East Kalimantan Province until Monday, following the emergence of tropical cyclone seeds that grow in the northern hemisphere.