Dozens of trees topple in Bandung as heavy rain and strong winds lash the city, crushing cars and damaging buildings

Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds swept across Bandung on Wednesday afternoon (4 March), lasting about an hour. The extreme weather toppled trees at several locations, knocked into vehicles, damaged buildings, and disrupted traffic on multiple road sections.

Based on provisional data from the Bandung City Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), at least 16 tree-fall incidents and wind-related impacts were recorded across various districts.

One incident occurred on Jalan Soekarno-Hatta, Kebon Lega sub-district, Bojongloa Kidul district. A mahogany tree fell and struck two parked cars. Similar incidents were reported in several other areas of Bandung almost simultaneously.

Amires Pahala, Head of Prevention and Readiness at BPBD Kota Bandung, said they received reports via Call Center 112 and 113 shortly after the event.

‘The BPBD team received reports from Call Center 112 and 113 and immediately conducted assessment and response in coordination with related agencies,’ he said.

Amires explained that the impacts included traffic disruption on several road sections, three vehicles struck by trees with damage ranging from light to heavy, and light damage to buildings in the form of displaced roofs. Community activities at several locations were temporarily hindered due to evacuation and debris clearance.

‘There were no fatalities reported as of this publication. The data is provisional and may evolve as further field data is collected,’ he added.

BPBD Kota Bandung acted quickly to carry out on-site assessments and coordinate with the Fire Department and Disaster Management Agency (DPKP), rescue crews, and regional Office Units (UPT kewilayahan).

Rapid assessment by BPBD Kota Bandung, coordination with DPKP, rescue crews, and UPTs, removal and evacuation of fallen trees, debris clearance and area security, traffic flow normalisation.

‘The joint team is still operating at several locations to ensure the situation is safe and under control,’ he said.

Amires urged residents to remain vigilant during the rainy season accompanied by strong winds. Residents were asked not to shelter under trees or park under trees during heavy rain, and to be wary of old, brittle, or leaning trees in their neighbourhoods. In addition, the public was urged to reduce outdoor activity during extreme weather and to ensure roofs and other parts of their homes are secure.

‘Please report emergencies immediately via Call Center 112 so they can be acted upon promptly,’ he concluded.