Thousands Of Houses In Karawang Submerged By Rob Flood, BPBD: 8 Affected Districts

Karawang Regent Aep Syaepuloh during a visit to the northern coastal area of Karawang related to tidal flooding in the area. (ANTARA)

KARAWANG - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Karawang Regency, West Java, reported that thousands of houses in eight sub-districts were flooded due to high tides in northern Karawang waters.

"The tidal flood in the northern coastal area of Karawang has occurred since the last few days, and until now it is still inundating residents' houses," said Head of BPBD Karawang, Mahpudin, quoted from ANTARA, Tuesday, December 17.

According to Mahpudin, the tidal flood was caused by extreme weather that triggered high tides of sea water. Based on BPBD data, 1,153 houses were submerged in water, and about 200 hectares of fish ponds were also affected. The height of the puddle was reported to have reached 50 centimeters in several locations.

Eight sub-districts in Karawang that were affected by tidal flooding were Pakisjaya District, Tirtajaya District, Cibuaya District, Pedes District, Cilebar District, Tempuran District, Cilamaya Kulon District, and Cilamaya Wetan District.

"So far, there have been no casualties in this incident. For the value of the loss, we are still doing the calculations," said Mahpudin.

The Regent of Karawang, Aep Syaepuloh, stated that the local government had taken mitigation steps to deal with tidal flooding and possible aftershocks.

"We have prepared folding boats in a number of affected sub-districts, which will later be used for the evacuation of residents," said Aep.

In addition, local governments have also distributed logistical assistance to affected communities. This assistance includes basic needs to ease the burden on residents affected by the disaster.

The Regent of Karawang has also directly inspected the location of the tidal flood while distributing logistical assistance to residents.

"We hope that the assistance distributed can help meet the basic needs of the community and slightly ease their burden while facing this tidal flood disaster," he said.

Other anticipatory efforts involve intensive monitoring of weather conditions and ups and downs of sea water, considering that the northern coastal area of Karawang is often affected by tidal flooding due to extreme weather.