Panaragan Residents in Bogor Build Self-Funded Early Warning System as Cisadane River Levels Rise

A flood Early Warning System (EWS) has been established along the banks of the Cisadane River in RW 07, Panaragan, Central Bogor, West Java. An EWS is a warning system typically utilised in various fields, ranging from medical applications to disaster mitigation. The red pole with green stripes serves as a crucial indicator for local residents to remain vigilant when river levels begin to rise.

Although the system is still operated manually, it has become a primary tool for residents to anticipate flooding. Dede Suparman, the head of RW 07 Panaragan, regularly monitors the Cisadane River flow from a small hut by the riverside. When the water level reaches approximately 120 centimetres, he immediately activates the warning siren. The siren button is located in front of Dede’s house.

During a test conducted on Wednesday afternoon, the loud siren caused residents to rush out of their homes, fearing an imminent flood. “I was just testing the siren for a video; there is no flood,” Dede told residents after pressing the button. The siren signifies that the Cisadane River water is rising and that residents must be on alert. “It means the residents understand that the water is rising, so they stay alert and prepare themselves,” he added.

Rika Sabar Putri, head of the Panaragan Disaster Response Group (Keltana), noted that the RW 07 area has previously been impacted by major flooding, with water levels reaching significant heights.