Probolinggo Floods: Five Sub-Districts Affected, Water Levels Reach 1.5 Metres

The Probolinggo Regency Government evacuated residents affected by flooding with water levels reaching 1.5 metres across five sub-districts in Probolinggo Regency, East Java, in the early hours of Sunday (22 February).

According to a report from the Probolinggo Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the five affected sub-district areas were Krejengan, Kraksaan, Besuk, Gading and Kotaanyar, specifically in Tambak Ukir Village.

“We received reports of an embankment breach along the riverbank that caused residential areas to be submerged in the early hours of Sunday,” said BPBD Probolinggo Chief Executive Oemar Sjarief in the regency.

He said the flooding in the Kraksaan sub-district was the most severe in recent decades, with water levels varying up to 1.5 metres.

“The BPBD, together with the military, police and related agencies, continues to carry out evacuations. Ill residents have been referred to hospital, whilst the elderly have been evacuated to the Kraksaan Sub-District Office for further treatment,” he said.

Under the direction of Probolinggo Regent Mohammad Haris and Deputy Regent Fahmi AHZ, Probolinggo Regency Secretary Ugas Irwanto went directly to the field to ensure the evacuation process was running optimally.

“I am representing the regent and deputy regent to directly review conditions on the ground. The safety of residents is the top priority, particularly those who are ill, children, pregnant women and the elderly,” he said.

Secretary Ugas and his team also inspected the Patemon area in Sidomukti Village, Kraksaan Sub-District. At the location, piles of rubbish were found obstructing river flow, thereby worsening the water overflow.

On the occasion, Secretary Ugas affirmed that the regional government would conduct a comprehensive evaluation of embankment conditions and river normalisation to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

“Beyond emergency response, we will take preventive measures. Public awareness about not dumping rubbish into rivers and not constructing buildings on river buffer zones is an important part of the collective solution,” he said.

The Probolinggo Regency Government distributed temporary aid in the form of packed meals for the suhoor needs of flood-affected residents across the five sub-districts.

“The government’s presence amongst the community is not merely to observe conditions, but to ensure residents’ basic needs are met and that response efforts proceed swiftly and in a coordinated manner,” he said.

The Probolinggo Regency Government confirmed it would continue monitoring and cross-sector coordination until conditions return to normal, and urged the public to maintain the cleanliness of river channels to minimise flood risks in the future.