Heavy Rainfall Leads to Flooding in Banten's Rangkasbitung

TEMPO.CO, Lebak - Heavy rainfall for about one and a half hours in Rangkasbitung, Lebak Regency of Banten caused flooding in the area. A number of roads were inundated due to poor drainage channels.

“We hope the drainage canal will be built,” said Amin (40), a resident of Rangkasbitung, Thursday, September 30. Amin said due to the flooding, his motorcycle engine died so he was forced to push it.

Floods inundated a number of roads including Bypass, Jalan Ir Djuanda, Sunankalijaga, Sunan Giri, Hardiwinangun, Multatuli, and Malanengah in Rangkasbitung at a depth of 60 to 80 centimeters.

Many motorists who insisted on crossing the road also found their bike engine stopped, causing traffic jams. “Luckily there are people willing to help push the stalled motorbike,” Amin added.

Other than motorcycles, four-wheeled vehicles also broke down due to the flooding. A public minivan, or angkot, driver named Lomri said his car broke down on Jalan Sunankalijaga, in front of the Kodim 0603 Lebak. The car engine died as the carburetor was inundated by floodwater.

Lebak Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) Head Febby Rizky Pratama did not deny that the flooding occurred because of poor drainage that was suspected to be clogged with garbage or mud and so it failed to accommodate rainwater.

“We have made a report for the drainage to be repaired so that it does not cause flooding,” said Febby.

Read: Jakarta Braces for Flooding, Dredges Krukut River

ANTARA