Causes of Recurrent Flooding in Bukit Cengkeh 1 and 2, Depok

The Bukit Cengkeh 1 and 2 housing estates in Cimanggis, Depok City, have once again come under scrutiny due to the recurring flooding problem that occurs every time heavy rain lashes the area. The geographical location in a basin and the overflow of water discharge from nearby river flows are the main factors that have yet to be fully resolved.

Based on field observations and previous incident patterns, the following are some of the main causes of flooding in the area:

The most dominant cause is the overflowing of the Kali Laya river flow. The Bukit Cengkeh 1 and 2 housing estates are located along this river’s path. When rainfall intensity is high upstream or locally, the water discharge increases dramatically, exceeding the capacity of the embankments and the riverbed, causing the water to spill into residents’ settlements.

Topographically, most of the area in Bukit Cengkeh 1 and 2 is located at low points or in a basin. This causes water from surrounding higher areas to flow and accumulate in the housing estate area, making the drainage process take longer if the pumping system is not optimal.

Water channels or drainage within the housing often experience narrowing and shallowing due to mud sedimentation and rubbish. The current drainage capacity is deemed insufficient to accommodate extreme rainwater volumes, compounded by the many land-use conversions around the area that reduce water infiltration zones.

As of the publication of this news, specific data regarding the height of the latest inundation and the detailed number of affected residents are still in the validation stage by relevant parties in the field.