Tangerang Residents Trained to Read Flood Signs: "If the Drain Water Overflows, Quickly Move Your Vehicles"

TANGERANG - Residents of Kampung Candulan, Petir Ward, Cipondoh District, Tangerang City, claim to be accustomed to facing floods that frequently hit their area. This has made the residents quick to save their belongings from the early hours when the water begins to rise. One resident, Oman (42), immediately prepares upon seeing signs of water overflowing, especially during heavy rain. When the flood occurs in the early hours, many residents wake up due to the commotion in the surrounding neighbourhood. This situation serves as a signal to immediately carry out self-evacuation. “If people are already busy moving motorbikes, it means the water has risen. We immediately hurry to evacuate,” he said. According to Oman, the priority items to save are vehicles, because his vehicles are always parked on the ground floor. Meanwhile, household furniture has been anticipated by being moved to the upper floor before the flood occurs. The same is conveyed by another resident, Rena (39). Residents already have an anticipation pattern because floods often occur in their living environment, especially in the last two years. “Some items are secured first. It’s normal, so we’re already prepared,” said Rena. “The lower items have been secured, so no belongings are submerged,” she added. Residents say this alert habit has formed because the frequency of floods is increasing. Previously, floods only occurred at certain periods, but now water pooling can come almost every month during heavy rain. “In the past, it was once every five years, now almost several times a month. Even during Eid, there were three floods,” he said. This condition makes residents choose to always be vigilant, especially when rain falls with high intensity, to minimise losses due to sudden floods.