BPBA: Five districts in North Aceh hit by tidal flooding and coastal erosion

Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - The Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBA) reports that 11 villages across five sub-districts in North Aceh Regency have been hit by tidal flooding (banjir rob) and coastal erosion since last week, with conditions continuing to worsen. ‘Due to extreme weather, this has caused coastal erosion and tidal flooding, or spring tides,’ said BPBA Acting Leader Bahron Bakti in Banda Aceh on Thursday. He named the affected areas as follows: in Lapang District, three villages - Gampong Kuala Cangkoi, Matang Baroh and Kuala Keureuto; in Seunuddon District, Gampong Kuala Lhok Puuk; in Samudera District, Gampong Kuala Sawang and Blang Nibong; in Dewantara District, two villages - Gampong Glumpang Sulu Timu and Bluka Teubai; and in Muara Batu District, three villages - Gampong Bungkaih, Cot Seurani and Meunasah Drang. Bahron said that as of the latest update, tidal floods still inundate portions of residents’ homes, wash over roads and fields in the surrounding area. ‘There are no casualties from this disaster; the area experiences high waves almost every year, residents must remain vigilant,’ he noted. In this disaster, 179 households from three villages in Lapang District evacuated to relatives’ homes: Kuala Cangkoi 56 households, Matang Baroh 103 households, and Kuala Keureuto around 20 households. To date, tidal flooding or fluctuating tides continue to occur, with waters still covering some homes and temporary shelters (huntara). ‘Aceh Utara Regency’s BPBD has deployed a TRC team on the ground and is coordinating with Muspika,’ Bahron Bakti said.