22 Neighbourhoods in East Jakarta Flooded, Water Levels in Bidara Cina Nearly 2 Metres

The Jakarta Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD DKI Jakarta) has recorded that 22 Neighbourhood Units (RT) in East Jakarta were flooded until Tuesday (5/5) morning, with water levels reaching a high of 195 centimetres (cm) at the highest point.

“Data on inundation and flooding in East Jakarta today up to 06.00 WIB shows two affected districts, five impacted villages, covering 11 Neighbourhood Associations (RW) and 22 RT,” said the Head of the East Jakarta Administrative City Disaster Mitigation Task Force, Rangga Bima Setiawan, when contacted in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The flooding began on Monday (4/5) evening around 20.00 WIB with water levels ranging from 30 centimetres.

“However, the water continued to rise until morning in several points,” said Rangga.

The affected areas are spread across two districts, namely Jatinegara District and Kramat Jati District, covering five main villages: Bidara Cina, Kampung Melayu, Cawang, Balekambang, and Cililitan.

“The cause of the flooding is high rainfall and overflow from the Ciliwung River,” said Rangga.

In Bidara Cina Village, specifically in RW 003, RW 004, and RW 011, the water level increased from 30 cm on Monday (4/5) at 20.00 WIB to 175-195 cm or more by 06.00 WIB. Similar conditions occurred in several other points with rapid water rises.

Then in Kampung Melayu, specifically on Jalan Kebon Pala II in RW 04, RW 05, and RW 08, the water initially at 30 cm rose to 100-120 cm. Meanwhile, in Cawang, the flooding initially at 30 cm rose to 40-80 cm.

Subsequently, in Cililitan Village, the water initially at 30 cm rose to 40-90 cm. Whereas in Balekambang Village, it initially at 30 cm has now receded.

“For now, no residents have evacuated. Residents are still holding out in their respective homes while monitoring the water conditions,” explained Rangga.

He added that his side continues to monitor the affected locations and prepares personnel to anticipate possible water level increases.

“It is being handled by the local village authorities together with PPSU, the BPBD TRC team, the Water Resources Agency, local Satpol PP, Tagana, and Gulkarmat,” he said.

Rangga urged the public to remain alert, especially if heavy intensity rain occurs.