BPBD: Alert for heavy rain in Cianjur over the next three days

The Cianjur Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in West Java has deployed dozens of officers and 360 volunteers throughout the region to urge the public to remain vigilant against potential heavy rain over the next three days.

Samudra Wira Purnama, Head of the Emergency and Logistics Division of BPBD Cianjur, stated on Friday that based on information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), several areas in West Java, including Cianjur, are prone to rainfall. The potential rainfall is expected to fall into the ‘alert’ category, with forecasts predicting moderate to heavy rain across most parts of the Cianjur Regency.

Consequently, residents living in areas prone to landslides, soil shifts, and flooding are advised to carefully observe natural signs of impending disasters and to evacuate immediately, particularly during heavy nocturnal rainfall which can trigger floods and landslides.

Following a recent period of hot weather in Cianjur, the return of rainfall increases the potential for natural disasters such as landslides and ground movement. “During hot weather, cracks can form on the earth’s surface; when it rains, water can seep through these cracks, potentially triggering landslides and soil shifts,” said Samudra.

The agency has mobilised officers and volunteers to not only advise the public but also to provide daily monitoring reports and undertake anticipatory measures or evacuations when natural warning signs are detected. “We have placed dozens of officers and 360 volunteers in every village to monitor, report, and carry out rapid response efforts in the event of a disaster,” added Samudra Wira Purnama.