Flood-hit Kapuas Hulu Declares Emergency Status, Says BNPB

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Kapuas Hulu district administration has declared a 14-day emergency status following a wide-spread flood in the region located in West Kalimantan Province, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

"BNPB's rapid reaction team reported that food logistical assistance from both the West Kalimantan Provincial Government and business entities would soon be distributed to affected residents," Raditya Jati, BPPB's spokesman, said in a statement received here on Sunday.

At least 11 sub-districts were flooded following incessant heavy rains over the last several days in Kapuas Hulu.

The affected sub-districts included North Putussibau, South Putussibau, Bika, Kalis, Embaloh Hilir, Bunut Hilir, Jongkong, Selimabu, Suhaid, Semitau and Silat Hilir.

The flooding forced a number of people to evacuate themselves to safer areas such as in families' homes or places of worships.

However, in the capital of Kapuas Hulu, Putussibau, the condition started to return to normal, he added

"There were no casualties due to the flooding," Raditya Jati said.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicted that heavy rains and strong wind would occur in parts of West Kalimantan, South Sumatra, Bangka Belitung Islands, Banten, West Java, Central Java, Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, North Maluku, West Papua and Papua, on Sept 21.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and prepared for potential floods, landslides and strong winds in areas with the potential for high intensity rain. Identify the condition of your area from these potential hazards.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Kapuas Hulu Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Gunawan, confirmed that Kapuas Hulu has declared an emergency response status.

"The team from BNPB yesterday visited one of the flooded locations in Embaloh Hilir Sub-district and we have declared flood emergency response status," he remarked.

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ANTARA