Floodwaters Reach 1.5 Metres, Rescue Officers Evacuate Residents in Cipinang Melayu

Staff of the East Jakarta Fire and Rescue Service Sub-Department (Gulkarmat Jaktim) evacuated around 12 residents, including the elderly and infants, who were trapped by floods in RW 04, Cipinang Melayu Urban Village, Makasar District. The floodwaters in the neighbourhood reached 1.5 metres on Sunday morning (8 March), following the overflow of Kali Sunter and heavy rain since Saturday evening (7 March). The head of the Gulkarmat Jakarta Timur Rescue Team, Andi, said officers received reports from residents requiring evacuation assistance in the area. “We evacuated around 12 residents in Cipinang Muara, including the elderly and babies,” Andi said at the flood site on Sunday. The evacuation involved eight personnel equipped with various gear and a single rubber boat to move residents to a safer location. Two babies and several elderly residents were prioritised due to their vulnerable conditions. Andi explained the evacuation was challenging because access to the settlement is narrow and rescuers had to cross the river flow with a strong current. “At that time, the team deployed a substantial amount of equipment to reach the scene,” Andi said. Nevertheless, all residents were evacuated safely and relocated to the evacuation post established by the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in front of the RW post. The floodwaters in the RW 04 settlement of Cipinang Melayu reached 1.5 metres on Sunday morning, with several points along the riverbank experiencing standing water approaching two metres. Six RTs were affected by the inundation, namely RT 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. Nearby residents remained alert, awaiting the water to recede, while regional administrators continued to monitor water levels and the readiness of the evacuation site. Andi urged the public to remain vigilant against flood risks, especially during periods of heavy rainfall that can increase river discharge in East Jakarta.