TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) suggests that there are currently at least 328 houses damaged and 150 people evacuated caused by the flash flood that hit Banyuwangi, East Java.
BNPB spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho stated that the statistics are expected to rise considering that the flash flood left a meter-high mud over residential areas. “The amount of damages is expected to rise because of the one meter mud,” said Sutopo today on June 23.
According to Sutopo, currently, 33 families have been evacuated to the neighboring area of Singorujuh. As many as 23 houses are severely damaged, 80 houses are moderately damaged, and 225 houses are lightly damaged by the flash flood. The disaster also devastated 1,721 hectares of agriculture areas.
The flash flood struck three villages, namely Dusun Garit, Karang Asem, and Bangunrejo on Friday morning. Sutopo explained that the flash flood was likely caused by a landslide at the base of Mount Raung following high-intensity rain from the night before.
Furthermore, Sutopo said that the local BPBD reported that the flood had resided at 11 am and was followed by an evacuation process that is still ongoing. The evacuation is done by joint forces that consist of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), Indonesian National Police, social services, and local volunteers.
Taufiq Siddiq