Tangerang Regency floods widen, 9,000 households affected

The Tangerang Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that floods in its area have widened further, submerging 40 villages across 15 districts by Sunday afternoon, 8 March. BPBD chief Ahmad Taufik said the floods were triggered by heavy rainfall that had drenched the area since Saturday, 7 March. ‘The water levels were relatively variable, ranging from 20 centimetres to 80 centimetres, with each area different,’ he said. He listed the affected districts: Kelapa Dua, Tigaraksa, Rajeg, Kronjo, Pasar Kemis, Sepatan, Kresek, Sindang Jaya, Sepatan Timur, Gunung Kaler, Pakuhaji, Sukamulya, Kosambi, Balaraja, and Pagedangan. ‘The deepest points are in Rajeg and Pasar Kemis,’ he added. Taufik said about 9,000 households were affected by the floods across the dozens of villages. Rescue operations were ongoing as staff evacuated residents trapped in their homes. Forty rubber boats were deployed to assist in the rescue efforts at various flood sites. ‘Pleton tents have been prepared; if needed, we can set up evacuation tents or a public kitchen,’ he said. Taufik noted that in several locations the floods were beginning to recede, but the BPBD remained vigilant for the potential spread of flooding as extreme weather is expected to continue in the coming days. ‘If it recedes slowly, it is when the rivers overflow. Fortunately, the river flows in our area are relatively safe, but we will remain watchful,’ he explained.