14 Districts In Garut Affected By Floods And Landslides, BNPB: 649 People Refuge, 11 Houses Damaged

Illustration-A number of officers help students cross the river using rubber boats to cross the Cimanuk River/Via ANTARA

GARUT - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) noted that 14 sub-districts in Garut Regency, West Java, were affected by floods and landslides.

Based on data compiled by the BNPB Operations Control Center (Pusdalops), the 14 affected districts include Cikajang, Tarogong Kidul, Pasirwangi, Cigedug, Bayongbong, Tarogong kaler, Samarang, Banyuresmi, Cibatu, Karangpawitan, Garut Kota, Cilawu, Banjarwangi and Singajaya.

"A total of 6,031 families (KK) or 18,873 people were affected and 649 people were displaced", said the Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, in a written statement received in Jakarta, Antara, Monday, July 18.

Meanwhile, the Garut Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported material losses of 4,035 units of affected houses with 11 units of which were heavily damaged, 13 government offices were moderately damaged, 10 government offices were lightly damaged, two educational facilities were moderately damaged and three educational facilities were damaged. light. In addition, at least 17,077 hectares of fish ponds belonging to affected residents were recorded.

The BNPB Emergency Response Team accompanied by the Garut Regency BPBD has reviewed one of the flood locations in Kulon Village and Kulon City Village, Garut City District, and Ciwalen District. This location was chosen because the residents' houses are next to the Cimanuk River and it is estimated that the location will be worst affected by floods and landslides.

Even though the flood had receded, the flood left mud that covered roads and residents' houses. The residents worked together with the assistance of BPBD, the Indonesian Army (TNI), National Police, related agencies, and volunteers to clean the mud material.

Meanwhile, the landslide material that covered the roads in Cigayun Village and Sukamulya Village has been cleared by the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Service, so that two- and four-wheeled vehicles can already pass.

"Officers are currently continuing to collect data, especially for residents' houses that were washed away or lost by the flood. Through the Emergency Coordination Meeting for floods and landslides, it is planned that houses on the banks of the river will be relocated", said Abdul.

Meanwhile, various aids have been distributed to victims affected by floods and landslides, including logistical assistance from BPBD of West Java Province and Jasa Marga of West Java Province.

Previously, the Garut Regency Government issued Decree No. 362/KEP.415-BPBD/2022 dated July 16, 2022, regarding the Determination of Emergency Response Status for Floods and Landslides after more than 100 villages in 14 sub-districts in Garut Regency, West Java Province were flooded on Friday, July 15. The emergency response status is calculated for 14 days from July 16 to July 29, 2022.

BNPB appealed to local governments and residents to remain vigilant and ready to face the potential danger of aftershocks.

Facing the danger of flooding, local governments together with residents can routinely clean waterways, normalize rivers, repair and strengthen embankments, and reforest water catchment areas upstream and along the river.