Flash Floods in West Kalimantan Districts Kill 2

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The national disaster mitigation agency (BNPB) recorded that two people died of the flash floods that hit a number of districts in West Kalimantan, as per Thursday, Nov. 4, at 18:55 western Indonesia time.

One of the victims was from Tempunak and another one from Binjai, Sintang Regency.

"Sintang Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) is still collecting data regarding the casualty or other injured victims," said BNPB official, Abdul Muhari, in a written statement on Friday, Nov. 5.

Until Nov. 4, the number of people affected by the disaster reached 87,496. Meanwhile, 21,000 houses, houses of worship, and five bridges are damaged.

Until today, 12 districts are still inundated, namely, Kayan Hulu, Kayan Hilir, Binjai Hulu, Sintang, Sepauk, Tempunak, Ketungau Hilir, Dedai, Serawai, Ambalau, Sei Tebelian and Kelam Permai.

Based on the local BPBD data, the roads in the area are still inaccessible for vehicles due to the inundation. Electricity and communication accesses are also in trouble. "Sintang Regency has set the emergency status from October 16 to November 16, 2021."

Based on a study, Abdul said that Sintang Regency is potential for risks of medium until high-intensity flooding. This is a repeating phenomenon if the risk management is not handled properly.

BNPB calls on the local government to set short-term and long-term programs, such as the cleaning of drainage system until regional water management, in the efforts to prevent hydrometeorological disasters like flood, flash flood, landslide, or strong wind.

Read: Flash Flood Devastates Batu in East Java, Five Dead

Andita Rahma