BNPB: Post-flood dike normalisation in Southeast Aceh accelerated

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that efforts to normalise the dikes and to restore the living environment of residents affected by the floods in Aceh Tenggara Regency, Aceh, are being accelerated as floodwaters begin to recede gradually. Abdul Muhari, head of BNPB’s Data, Information, and Disaster Communications Centre, said in a Jakarta briefing on Friday that the response and recovery process continues even as the flood situation shows signs of improvement. The floods were caused earlier by an increase in discharge from the Lawe Kisam and Lawe Kinga rivers since Wednesday afternoon (20 May), which led to water overflowing into several residential areas. According to Abdul, the main focus of response at present is to accelerate the normalisation of the dikes and environmental rehabilitation so that residents can quickly return to normal activities. In this regard, the Aceh Tenggara Regency BPBD has deployed two pieces of heavy equipment to the affected sites in Deleng Pokhkisen District and in the Lawe Sumur and Bambel areas to expedite the dike normalisation process and reopen access that had been affected by flood debris. This step is being taken as a mitigation measure to anticipate possible further overflows should rainfall intensity increase in the area. In addition, the Aceh Tenggara Regency Disaster Response Team (TRC) is still conducting rapid assessments, compiling data on damage to residents’ homes, and monitoring conditions of people in three sub-districts and nine villages affected. Preliminary data indicate 991 people from 252 households were affected by the floods. Material losses include three houses with minor damage and 249 other houses affected by inundation. BNPB also notes that communities have begun cleaning houses and public facilities through mutual cooperation with BPBD staff and fire and rescue personnel, while basic needs such as clean water are being distributed by PDAM Tirta Agara to assist residents’ recovery after the floods.