Jakarta—A series of floods and landslides have recently struck several parts of Java, with deadly consequences and significant damage to infrastructure and homes, according to a statement released by Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) on Wednesday, May 21.
Heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers triggered flash floods in Trenggalek Regency, East Java, on Monday, May 19, affecting five districts. One fatality was reported: a six-year-old child, identified as MH, was swept away by floodwaters in Munjungan District and found later that evening.
As of Tuesday morning, May 20, floodwaters had started to recede in Trenggalek and Munjungan, but remained high in Pogalan (up to 1 meter), Karangan (20–40 cm), and Gandusari District, where a broken embankment caused rising water levels in Krandegan Village. The local disaster agency (BPBD) has set up an emergency post and continues to coordinate evacuations and damage assessments.
In addition to flooding, a landslide in Bendungan District, Trenggalek, buried three homes and left six people missing. The landslide occurred at midday on Monday, May 19, and search and rescue efforts remain underway as of Wednesday morning. The disaster affected 11 homes, with five severely damaged. Roads, a river embankment, and a bridge were also impacted.
Still in East Java, Tuban Regency experienced flooding in Sidomukti Village, Kenduruan District, on the evening of May 19. Although the waters have receded, thick mud deposits have made clean-up operations challenging. Local emergency services and firefighters are assisting residents with cleaning efforts.
Central Java faces severe flooding
In Blora Regency, Central Java, torrential rains early Monday (03:00 WIB) caused the Wulung River to overflow, submerging 1,600 homes across 10 districts. Water levels ranged from 10 cm to as high as 150 cm and had yet to recede as of Tuesday.
Nearby in Pati Regency, 300 households were affected by flooding that began Monday afternoon. Initial assessments recorded damage to 220 homes, two schools, two houses of worship, and 19 hectares of rice fields.
Tasikmalaya hit by floods and landslides
In Tasikmalaya, West Java, flash floods hit Calingcing and Sukahening Villages on Monday, May 19, affecting 62 households and cutting off road access and electricity. A landslide also occurred in Sukamukti Village, Cisayong District, blocking inter-village roads.
Emergency response teams and residents work together to clear flood debris and assess damage. Local BPBD officials are coordinating with authorities and continuing risk evaluations.
BNPB has renewed its call for local governments and communities to implement disaster mitigation steps. These include clearing drainage systems, preparing water retention areas, trimming overhanging tree branches to reduce the risk of collapse during storms, and establishing clear emergency and evacuation plans.
“With the ongoing threat of wet hydrometeorological disasters such as floods and landslides, community preparedness is essential,” said Abdul Muhari, Ph.D., Head of BNPB’s Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center. (nsh)
Banner photo: BPBD and joint teams carry out emergency handling efforts after flooding occurred in Trenggalek Regency, East Java Province, Monday (19/5). Photo source: BPBD Trenggalek Regency
