Bandung Stricken by Floods as Citarum River Banks Bursts

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thousands of homes in Baleendah and Dayeuhkolot district in Bandung regency have been inundated as heavy showers caused the Citarum River to overflow on Thursday, November 20, 2014.

Homes around Andir and Baleendah sub-district in Baleendah District, as well as Bojongasih and Cibodas in Dayeuhkolot District were the worst affected areas of the flood, which started on Wednesday, November 19.

The flood observed on the main trunk route between Banjaran, Baleendah and Bandung have reached 70 centimetres deep, forcing smaller vehicles to seek out other routes. Traffic has since been diverted towards Bojongsoang, which resulted in massive traffic congestion in the area.

Large number of residents have been evacuated to Baleendah Stadium and other higher locations to be sheltered from the floods. Tents and emergency shelters have also been erected by the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), as well as Bandung's Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD).

Meanwhile in Dayeuhkolot, the floods occurred when Cipalasari river, a tributary of the Citarum river, also burst its' banks. "We've had residents begging for shelter at Dayeuhkolot District Police headquarters, so we try to accomodate the in whatever rooms we have available," said Dayeuhkolot District Police Chief, Police Adj. Comr. Edi Siswandi.

The flood in Dayeuhkolot averages between 50 to 70 centimetres deep, and water levels are expected to rise as more showers have been predicted for the general area for the next couple of days.

Another area in Bandung, the Rancaekek District, is also experiencing some floods as the Cikeruh river and some of its tributaries burst their banks' around the Bojongpeuteuy sub-district.

ANTARANEWS