BNPB: High Water Discharge Presents Challenge to Dike Repair Efforts in Demak
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has stated that elevated water discharge resulting from heavy rainfall and tidal inundation presents a significant challenge to accelerating repairs of damaged dikes in Demak Regency, Central Java.
Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Centre for Data, Information, and Disaster Communications, said in Jakarta on Sunday that two dikes have been damaged by recent flood impacts and repair work is currently ongoing, specifically the Cabean River and Tuntang River dikes in Demak.
BNPB has confirmed that closure of the Cabean River dike has reached approximately 70 per cent at the left location and 80 per cent at the right location, which remains under reinforcement.
Muhari explained that repair work on the Tuntang River dike in several locations remains delayed due to persistently high water discharge, although some sections have been successfully sealed and reinforced.
“Follow-up efforts include dike reinforcement, secondary channel normalisation, installation of debris containment nets at the Gajah Siphon, and channel cleaning using heavy equipment. All activities are coordinated through the Emergency Disaster Response Command Post for Flooding to expedite recovery of affected areas,” he stated.
Based on data received by BNPB, five villages in Sayung District remain waterlogged with water depths ranging from 10 to 50 centimetres. The flooding began on Monday 16 February at 3:30 a.m. local time, triggered by intense rainfall.
“This situation is influenced by the area’s topographical characteristics, which form a depression, and high tidal water levels, meaning water flow towards the Dombo River is not optimal and continues to inundate residential areas and road access,” Muhari said.
He urged the public to remain vigilant, follow local government guidance, and immediately report any disasters through official channels so that emergency response can be conducted swiftly and appropriately.