Floods In Sentani City, Jayapura BPBD Call Drainage Narrowing The Cause

Head of BPBD Jayapura Regency Yan Rumere (ANTARA/HO-Humas Jayapura Regency Government)

PAPUA - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Jayapura Regency, Papua, said that flooding in Sentani City was caused by narrowing of drainage. In addition to urban areas, several residents' housing was flooded after heavy rainfall occurred in the area on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at around 19.00 WIT. Head of BPBD Jayapura Regency Yan Rumere said, due to the narrowing of drainage at several points in Sentani City, which experienced puddles, such as in front of Saga Mall Kemiri and front 751/Raider. "The two points often have puddles when it rains because the urban drainage system is not optimal," he said when contacted by Antara from Jayapura, Friday, March 3. According to Yan Rumere, the result of the rainfall that occurred also resulted in the housing of BTN Gajah, Sentani, being flooded and also social housing. "For Gajah Mada Housing, the location is not suitable as a place to live because the area is a water catchment area, while the water flow social housing is still following the natural drainage that occurred during the Sentani flash flood in 2019," he said. He added that currently his party is still collecting data to find out how many residents were affected by the flood in the area. "In addition, we also continue to urge all residents to remain vigilant, especially in areas that are often flooded," he said. He added that currently his party has also coordinated with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to convey the situation in Jayapura City.