Kali Lamong Overflows, Dozens Of Villages In Gresik Flood, One Person Died

ILLUSTRATIONS / DOC. BUTTER

SURABAYA - As many as 25 villages in three sub-districts in Gresik Regency, East Java, were flooded. Until 12.00 WIB, the water level reaches 20 to 100 centimeters (cm).

"Dozens of villages are spread across three sub-districts, namely Balongpanggang, Benjeng, and Cerme Districts," said the Head of the East Java BPBD Emergency Section, Satriyo Nur Seno, confirmed Monday, December 14.

Satriyo detailed that nine villages in Balongpanggang District were flooded with water levels reaching 20-40 cm. Namely Sekarputih, Wotansari, Tenggor, Tanahlandean, Mojogede, Banjar Agung, Pucung, Karangsemanding, and Balongpanggang villages.

Then 11 villages in Benjeng District, namely Balongmojo, Sedapurklagen, Deliksumber, Kedungrukem, Munggugianti, Kalipadang, Bulurejo, Sirnoboyo, Klampok, Karangan Kidul, and Kedungsekar Villages. Then five villages in Cerme District, namely Dadapkuning, Lengkong, Sukoanyar, Ngembung, and Dungus Villages.

The areas with the highest water levels occur in Balongpanggang and Benjeng Districts, averaging around 20 to 200 cm. The most severe flooding occurred in Banjaragung Village and Karangsemanding Village in Balongpanggang District, a total of about 500 houses were submerged with a water level of about 80 cm.

"The cause of the flooding was due to the high intensity of rain from Saturday to Sunday night. As a result, the Lamong River spilled onto the road and damaged several public facilities, agriculture, and submerged people's homes," said Satriyo.

Currently, continued Satriyo, BPBD East Java has coordinated with BPBD Gresik, Muspika and local village officials, to continue monitoring floods. Then, BPBD is also on standby by alerting personnel to evacuate local residents.

"We have also established public posts and kitchens, which are placed in three points, namely Balaidesa Bulurejo, Kedungrukem and Munggugianti," said Satriyo.

The flood that inundated dozens of villages in Gresik Regency, claimed lives. A 13 year old woman was found by residents in a state of death.

"One person who died is known to be named Nafisah (13), a resident from Bulurejo Village, Benjeng District," said Satriyo.

Satriyo explained, the deceased with a friend named Alya Romza, 13, played water in Kedung Glugu Hamlet, Kedungrukem Village, Benjeng District. Both are grade 3 students, who are classmates at SMPN 1 Karangbinangun, Gresik.

"Then both of them were reminded by local residents, but they were ignored. Finally they were both dragged by the water currents. One of the victims was saved and one victim died," he said.