Jakarta — Torrential flooding has submerged villages in Segah District, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, displacing hundreds and cutting off road access as water levels reached up to five meters, Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported on Tuesday, May 27.
The worst-hit areas include Kampung Long La’ai and Kampung Long Ayap, where powerful river currents, intensified by heavy rainfall, swept through public infrastructure and residential areas. The floodwaters brought down trees and debris, further hampering access and response efforts on the ground.
In Kampung Long La’ai, the flood severely damaged vital community facilities, including a mosque, two churches, a health clinic (puskesmas), an elementary school, a village office, a maternal and child health centre (posyandu), an early childhood education centre (PAUD), and a boat dock. At least 640 residents from 212 households have been directly affected, according to the local disaster response agency BPBD Berau.
Nearby Kampung Long Ayap faced similar devastation. The flood destroyed two places of worship, a former village office, a traditional community hall (BPU adat), and a village health post (polindes). The event impacted 237 people across 76 households, with land access to the area still entirely severed due to the dangerous water currents and high flood levels.
In Kampung Long Ayan, the flood affected approximately 65 homes, three religious buildings, and five public facilities, with an estimated 260 residents currently impacted. Authorities are still assessing water depth and road conditions in this village.
Emergency response teams from BPBD Berau have been deployed for rapid assessment and evacuation, prioritising life-saving actions and logistical support. BNPB has urged residents to remain alert, follow evacuation guidance, and avoid flood-prone areas to minimise risk.
A country under climate stress
The flood in Berau is part of a broader pattern of hydrometeorological and geological disasters sweeping across Indonesia in recent weeks as the nation experiences the height of its transitional season (pancaroba).
In Situbondo, East Java, heavy rain and strong winds on May 26 damaged 27 homes and affected 111 residents. Meanwhile, in Nagari Andaleh, West Sumatra, a forest fire fueled by extreme heat scorched 30 hectares of land. Firefighting teams overcame rugged terrain and limited water supplies to extinguish the blaze.
In Ciamis, West Java, a series of floods and land movement events have caused extensive damage to agricultural and infrastructure. Flooding in Lakbok and Purwadadi submerged over 400 hectares of rice fields, damaged roads, and affected dozens of households. Elsewhere in Neglasari Village, soil movement damaged 14 homes, forcing emergency interventions to prevent further destruction.
Authorities in Ciamis have extended the Emergency Alert Status for floods, landslides, and extreme weather through May 31, 2025. Meanwhile, the risk of wildfires remains elevated in dry areas, with BNPB continuing to advise against open burning practices.
As disaster risks continue to mount, the BNPB is calling on local governments and citizens to remain vigilant, monitor official weather reports, avoid risky areas such as riverbanks and steep slopes during heavy rain, and report early warning signs, including cracks in the ground or sudden changes in water levels.
“Our collective awareness and preparedness are crucial to reducing casualties and losses. We urge communities to act early, stay informed, and prioritise safety,” said Abdul Muhari, Ph.D., Head of BNPB’s Data, Information and Disaster Communication Center. (nsh)
Banner photo: The flood situation in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan Province, Tuesday (27/5). Video source: BPBD Kabau
