Floods Submerge Seven Districts in Southwest Aceh

Floods have submerged seven districts in Southwest Aceh Regency, Aceh, after heavy rain accompanied by wind and lightning lashed the region since Wednesday (16/9) afternoon, with water levels in several residential areas reaching 1 metre.

According to data from the Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBA), the seven affected districts are Jeumpa, Kuala Batee, Tangan-Tangan, Setia, Blang Pidie, Manggeng, and Susoh.

In the Blang Pidie district, flooding has inundated several residential areas with widespread impact. In Alue Manggota Village, for instance, approximately 100 houses were affected, with water levels reaching one metre. Meanwhile, in Lhung Tarok Village, around 41 houses were submerged, with average water levels reaching above knee height.

“In Alue Manggota Village, an estimated 100 houses are affected with a water height of 1 metre, while in Cot Mane Village, one house was affected by a landslide,” said the Head of BPBA, Bahron Bakti, on Thursday (17/9).

Flooding also submerged around 40 houses in Kuta Bahagia Village, with water levels reaching from knee to waist height for adults.

In the Kuala Batee district, the overflow of the Alue Diwi River caused flooding in Alue Padee Village. Water levels exceeded one metre, affecting approximately 10 houses. Meanwhile, in Kampung Tengah Village, around five houses were impacted.

The floods have also inundated sections of the national road, causing traffic congestion in the Blang Pidie area. The BPBA is currently still collecting data on the number of flood victims and the extent of damage to public facilities caused by the disaster.

At this time, floodwaters continue to inundate residential areas. “Floods are still submerging residents’ settlements, and monitoring is ongoing; meanwhile, for the landslide, we are waiting for heavy machinery to carry out the clearing process,” said Bahron.