2,682 Homes in Serang Regency Flooded

Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah (BPBD) Kabupaten Serang, Banten, records that 2,682 homes were submerged in floods due to extreme weather that has affected the area since Friday through Sunday night. The Acting Head of BPBD Serang Regency, Ajat Sudrajat, said that this hydrometeorological disaster extended to 24 desa across 13 kecamatan. ‘Based on data up to 18:00 WIB, 3,099 KK or 9,184 jiwa were affected. Of this total, 337 lansia and 222 balita were identified as priorities for monitoring,’ Ajat said. The 13 kecamatan affected by the floods include Jawilan, Cinangka, Tunjungteja, Pamarayan, Bojonegara, Kibin, Ciruas, Binuang, Carenang, Kramatwatu, Tanara, Pontang, and Cikande. In addition to settlements, the floods also inundated village roads and public facilities such as Masjid Al Amin and SDN 1 Tonjong. Ajat explained that heavy rain accompanied by strong winds not only triggered floods but also caused landslides in Desa Kadubereum (Padarincang District) and Desa Margatani (Kramatwatu District), and a tree fell in Desa Mangkunegara. ‘The water surface level (TMA) on the ground currently varies. In Pontang District, the water is still up to 60 centimetres high, while in other areas such as Carenang and Jawilan it ranges from 40 to 50 centimetres,’ he added. To date, BPBD teams continue to conduct rapid assessments and distribute logistical aid to affected locations. However, Ajat acknowledged constraints in facilities and infrastructure and urgent needs including a water suction device (alkon), rubber boats, and ready-to-eat meals. The BPBD together with BMKG issued an early warning to the public, especially in the western part of Serang Regency, to remain vigilant for potential heavy rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds. Residents living along riverbanks are urged to evacuate voluntarily if water discharge shows significant rises to avoid loss of life.