Batam Hit by Floods Due to Poor Drainage and Extreme Weather
The city of Batam has been hit by floods due to heavy rainfall over the past few days. The flooding occurred in several strategic areas on Saturday, May 16th. The poor drainage system is being blamed as the main cause of the water overflowing onto roads and into residential areas, as it is unable to cope with the drastically increased water volume.
According to reports, the worst affected areas include Jalan Duyung (Jodoh), Batam Centre, Jalan R. Suprapto (Batu Aji), Jalan Raja Isa, and Jalan Laksamana Bintan. The deep floodwaters caused long traffic jams and left many motorcycles stranded.
Forecaster Rahmat Hidayat from the BMKG Hang Nadim Batam Meteorological Station explained that the conditions were triggered by extreme weather, which is expected to continue until the end of the week. “The current rainfall is quite high, especially during the afternoon and evening. We urge the public to be aware of the potential for flooding and sudden strong winds,” said Rahmat on Saturday, May 16th.
The flooding has caused complaints from residents, especially those living in coastal areas. Andi Saputra (42), a resident of Tanjung Uma, said that the combination of heavy rain and high tides caused water to quickly enter homes. “The drainage here often overflows and can no longer cope with the water,” he complained.
Similarly, Ailen (38), a resident of Batu Ampar, urged local authorities to take immediate action. She hopes that there will be a comprehensive drainage normalization and cleaning of clogged channels. “Almost every heavy rain causes flooding. We hope that the drainage channels are cleaned and widened so that the water recedes quickly,” said Ailen.
As of this report, residents are advised to remain vigilant when carrying out activities outdoors, given the high potential for rain accompanied by lightning. The Batam City Government is expected to respond quickly by accelerating the repair of infrastructure in flood-prone areas to minimize losses to the community. (H-4)
The BMKG Hang Nadim Batam has warned of unstable weather today. Be aware of the potential for heavy rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds from afternoon to evening.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has urged the public in Batam to be aware of the potential for rain accompanied by lightning that may occur from afternoon to evening.
A barge carrying an empty load, TK KPS 1203, was reported to have lost control and run aground in the waters of Pulau Raja, Batam, after being hit by extreme weather.
The warning was conveyed by Forecaster BMKG Class I Hang Nadim Batam Meteorological Station, Anisa S, based on the results of the analysis of sea tide data.
In Bintan Regency, areas that need to increase vigilance include Teluk Bintan, Telok Sebong, and Toapaya.