Extreme Weather in Surabaya: 57 Trees Felled, 4 Buildings Damaged, 1 Death

Extreme weather featuring heavy rainfall and strong winds battered the Surabaya region on Monday 2 March, resulting in 57 trees felled, damage to four buildings, and one fatality.

The Surabaya City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) recorded widespread tree damage extending across 17 subdistricts. The affected areas included districts from Tambaksari, Tegalsari to Benowo.

Linda Novanti, Head of Emergency and Logistics at Surabaya City BPBD, detailed the distribution of fallen trees across Tambaksari, Tegalsari, Asem Rowo, Gubeng, Sawahan, Bubutan, Wonokromo, Gunung Anyar, Mulyorejo, Krembangan, Bulak, Sukolilo, Sambikerep, Genteng, Tenggilis Mejoyo, Rungkut, and Benowo subdistricts.

The 57 fallen trees varied in size, with diameters ranging from 40 to 60 centimetres, brought down by a combination of strong winds and advanced age. “Officers have conducted tree debris evacuation at each location. The trees fell due to harsh weather conditions with strong winds and heavy rain, combined with the advanced age of the trees,” Novanti stated.

The BPBD also reported four buildings damaged in the Gunung Anyar, Bubutan, Genteng, and Sukomanunggal areas. Damage assessment and repairs are ongoing in coordination with local village officials.

The extreme weather also claimed one life. A worker suffered a fatal accident at Ascott Apartments in the Pakuwon Mall area on Monday 2 March. The incident occurred at 14:30 WIB when two workers were cleaning the building’s glass facade using a suspended gondola platform.

During the work, heavy rain suddenly fell with high intensity accompanied by strong winds sweeping the area. The equipment and platform swung uncontrollably in the air, with the workers left dangling at height. Evacuation was immediately initiated by Pakuwon Mall’s internal team with support from the Surabaya City Regional Disaster Management Agency and the City Fire and Rescue Service (DPKP), which deployed five fire trucks.

The deceased was identified as Eddy Suparno, 51, from Tambak Wedi Baru. His colleague, Ribut Boediyanto, 56, also from Tambak Wedi Baru, sustained injuries and is receiving intensive care at William Booth Hospital.