Strong Winds Hit Malang City, Four Injured Residents And 48 Damaged Buildings

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) noted that as many as four residents were injured and dozens of buildings were damaged due to strong winds that hit Malang City. This extreme weather phenomenon marked by heavy rain and accompanied by strong winds hit six villages in three sub-districts in Malang City, East Java on Saturday, August 13 at 15.30 WIB.

"The affected areas include Kasing Village and Baring Village in Klojen District. Then Kebonsari Village, Gadang Village and Ciptomulyo Village in Sukun District and Sawojajar Village in Kedungkandang District," said Plt. Head of BNPB Disaster Data and Communication Center Abdul Muhari in his statement, Sunday, August 14.

Based on the results of the Malang City BPBD's rapid assessment, 48 buildings, including four school buildings and one Islamic boarding school, were damaged by falling trees and being swept away by strong winds.

"Several houses were damaged and their roofs were missing. Other visual reports also showed several structures on the terraces of the houses collapsing to the ground and a number of trees having broken trunks and twigs, causing them to collapse on the house," said Muhari.

While the two victims with minor injuries and two moderate injuries, they have been evacuated and received treatment at the Soepraonen Army Hospital.

Today, a number of residents began to work together to clean up debris and reorganize their homes that were affected by strong winds. The Malang City BPBD and a joint team helped clean up debris and fallen trees.

Furthermore, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued early warning information stating that light to moderate rain could still occur in the Malang City area until Monday 15 August. The BMKG also stated that the East Java region was on 'alert' status for the potential for heavy rain which could be accompanied by winds for the next few days.

"In response to this, BNPB appeals to the community and policy makers in the local area to remain vigilant and increase preparedness from potential hydrometeorological disasters such as floods, flash floods, landslides and strong winds that can be triggered by weather factors," he added.