Thousands Of Houses Are Submerged By Floods In Sekadau West Kalimantan, One Resident Dies

Floods in West Kalimantan (Photo: BNPB Public Relations)

JAKARTA - Heavy rains and the overflow of the Kapuas River caused flooding in Sekadau Regency, West Kalimantan Province.

The head of the Sekadau Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Matthew Jon, said the flood submerged 2,541 houses and resulted in the death of one resident.

"This flood inundated several areas in Sekadau Regency, namely Mungguk Village, Sungai Ringin Village, Tanjung Village, Merapi Village, Seberang Kapuas Village and Penit Village located in Sekadau Hilir District. Then Belintang I Village and Belintang II Village in Belitang District," said Matthew in his statement, Thursday, October 28.

Matthew said, of the 8,430 people affected by the flood, there were 1,879 people or 571 families who were displaced by the flood.

"Water discharge has started to rise significantly since October 23, 2021. Until now, the average water level is still in the range of 2 - 2.5 meters from the ground," said Matthew. collect data and carry out evacuations using boats for affected residents.

Meanwhile, emergency response was also immediately carried out by establishing a disaster post and providing logistical assistance to several affected villages.

Based on InaRisk's analysis, Sekadau Regency is an area with a potential flood hazard in the moderate to high category.

"One of the preventive steps for strengthening river embankments and strengthening community-based communication networks can also be done as a form of early warning," he said.

Furthermore, based on the BMKG weather forecast until Friday, October 29, the Sekadau Regency area has the potential to rain with light intensity.

The potential warning today is to be alert for the potential for rain with moderate to heavy intensity which can be accompanied by lightning and strong winds of short duration in most districts/cities in West Kalimantan.