Floods In Cipinang Melayu, Hundreds Of Residents Threatened To Sleep Under The Becakayu Toll Road

Officers evacuate residents from water level/Photo: IST

JAKARTA - Residents on the banks of the Sunter River located at 7 RT, RW 04, Cipinang Melayu Village, Duren Sawit District, East Jakarta have been flooded since Monday, November 1, afternoon. As of Monday evening, the water began to reach a height of up to 75 centimeters.

"The water level reached 75 centimeters in the riverbank area. The water started to rise earlier at 4 pm. In addition to rain, the cause of the flooding was because there was water being sent from upstream," said Head of RW 04, Irwan to reporters at the flood site, Monday, November 1, evening.

The condition of residents' houses in Cipinang Melayu that are submerged in water/Photo: IST

As a result of the flood, a number of residents living in the area along the Sunter River had to evacuate to a higher area.

"The refugees are about 50 people from RT 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. If it rains it's possible that the water will continue to rise. These displaced residents live on the banks of the river whose houses are not on the level," said Irwan.

Currently, residents who have evacuated are placed in a post located under the Becakayu Toll Road. However, if the water continues to rise, the residents will be transferred to Borobudur University.

"Meanwhile, we are setting up tents for the displaced residents. But if the water continues to rise, we may place it at one point," he said.

The Duren Sawit firefighters were also seen at the location. By using a rubber boat, they carried two people consisting of one elderly and one toddler.

In the rubber boat, there were also two large bags containing accessories such as clothes and blankets.

"We have deployed 5 personnel, 2 rubber boats have been evacuated. Earlier, we evacuated toddlers and the elderly. The medical personnel are probably all on standby," said the Head of the Duren Sawit Fire Team, Aris.