Jakarta — A series of hydrometeorological disasters, including floods and extreme weather, have struck several areas across Indonesia in recent days, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), in a statement on April 25.
In North Halmahera, North Maluku Province, heavy rainfall on Thursday, April 24, triggered flooding in four villages in West Kao District. Local authorities reported that around 100 houses were inundated, with damage also affecting a levee, two educational facilities, and three places of worship. However, BNPB confirmed that the floodwaters have receded and the situation is under control.
Meanwhile, in Central Java’s Pati Regency, severe rain and strong winds battered the Tambakromo District on Wednesday, April 23, damaging 94 houses in two villages: Tambahagung and Kedalingan. Emergency teams are conducting rapid assessments and clearing debris from affected areas.
In Lampung Province, heavy rains led to flooding in Pesawaran Regency early Monday, April 21. The disaster impacted 774 homes across three districts: Padang Cermin, Marga Punduh, and Way Khilau. Additionally, two levees and one bridge sustained damage. As of Tuesday morning, April 22, floodwaters in some areas remained between 30 and 80 centimetres deep.
BNPB has called on communities to stay alert and enhance preparedness, especially as the country continues to face risks from intense rainfall. Residents are advised to evacuate to safer locations if heavy rains persist for more than an hour and visibility drops below 100 meters. Regional governments have also been urged to ensure emergency resources and personnel readiness.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has stated that 95 per cent of disasters in Indonesia are hydrometeorological disasters and stressed the urgency of adapting disaster protection systems amid increasing climate-change-induced disasters. (nsh)
Banner photo: Banner photo: Floods that hit Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan Province, Monday (21/4). (Source: BPBD Sanggau Regency)
