Flooding in Tangerang Causes Several Vehicles to Stall

Heavy rain drenched the city of Tangerang, submerging Jalan KH Hasyim Ashari in Pedurenan, Karang Tengah, Tangerang City, Banten, with water depths of 60 to 80 centimetres on Sunday (8 March). The flood impeded traffic and caused congestion in the area. Some vehicles attempting to pass were reported to stall as engines drew in water. Some motorists even resorted to cart-based motorcycle taxis to cross the flooded stretches so as not to damage their vehicles. Four-wheeled vehicles could still pass at the site, but drivers had to proceed with caution to avoid breakdowns in the middle of the flood. The situation also forced many vehicles, especially from Jalan Ciledug Raya, to turn back to seek alternative routes to their destinations. The Head of Emergency and Logistics at the Tangerang City BPBD, Andia, said water height at the location varied between 60 and 80 centimetres and affected traffic flow. “For two-wheeled vehicles there are many difficulties because the water height has already covered the engines, causing many to stall, and traffic becomes congested,” he said. He also urged residents who do not have urgent needs to stay at home for now due to the heavy traffic around the flood site. One motorcyclist, Andika, said he had to halt his journey as the road access toward South Tangerang was flooded. “I was headed to work from Ciledug to the AEON Mall Tangerang Selatan area before ultimately stopping because of the flood,” he said. Residents hope the Tangerang City Government can promptly address the flood problem in the area, especially through improvements to the drainage system and river normalization so that the water does not again spill onto roads or residents’ homes.