Two-Metre Flood Submerges 800 Homes in Villa Tomang Baru, Tangerang
Floodwaters submerged hundreds of homes in the Villa Tomang Baru residential estate, Gelam Jaya village, Pasar Kemis district, Tangerang Regency, on Sunday (8 March).
The floods were triggered by heavy rain that had drenched the area since Saturday (7 March) and the overflow of Kali Cirarab.
CNNIndonesia.com observed that the floodwaters inundated residential areas with depths varying from around 20 centimetres to as much as 2 metres.
The floods also temporarily cut the road link between Tangerang Regency and Tangerang City.
Several residents were seen evacuating to a mushola used as an emergency shelter. At the shelter, medical staff were seen conducting health checks on flood-affected residents.
In addition, officials were attempting to reduce flood discharge using portable water pumps. However, the measures had not substantially reduced the water levels as the Kali Cirarab flow continued to overflow.
One resident, Yadi, 50, said the floods began entering the settlement around 22:00 Western Indonesian Time on Saturday night.
“This area often floods; every rainfall affects us,” Yadi said.
As a result of the floods, he said he suffered material losses as several household furnishings and electronic appliances were damaged after being submerged.
“Many items were damaged, including a TV, mattresses, and dining tables, along with other electronic goods submerged,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the commander of the Post Unit of the Tangerang Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Pasar Kemis Post, Joko Murjito, revealed that the floods submerged around 800 homes across nine RW in Villa Tomang Baru.
“The average depth was nearly 2 metres. The total number of affected residents was around 2,400,” Joko said.
Currently, Joko said, authorities are continuing the evacuation of residents who remain inside homes to take them to safer locations.
“Those evacuating are taking shelter in the mushola, posyandu, and tents that are deemed safe for shelter,” he added.