Flood As High As 1 Meter Melanda Sebadai Hulu Natuna

Photo via Antara.

RIAU - Floods inundated residential areas in the Sebadai Hulu area, East Timur Bunguran District, Natuna Regency, Riau Islands Province (Kepri), since Wednesday, December 14 in the morning.

Head of the Riau Islands Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Muhammad Hasbi, said the flood caused at least 35 houses to be inundated in the area.

"The flood has been since 02.00 WIB," said Hasbi in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, Wednesday, December 14, as reported by Antara.

Inundation in high settlements is up to one meter, causing at least 20 motorcycles and one car to be submerged.

Government officials have been dispatched to evacuate residents whose houses are flooded to safer places.

"Since dawn until now, officers are still focused on evacuating victims to a safe place," said Hasbi.

BPBD Riau Islands has distributed logistical assistance for handling the impact of disasters to regencies/cities in its area, including Natuna Regency.

Logistical assistance sent to districts/cities includes basic necessities, instant noodles, masks, hand sanitizer, life jackets, baby equipment, and blankets.

"We distributed aid before a disaster occurred so that the victims could be directly used. If it was sent after a disaster, it would be less effective," said Hasbi.

Hasbi appealed to residents to actively participate in flood prevention and mitigation efforts, including by cleaning drainage from waste and reforestation in flood-prone areas.