Indonesia: Significant flooding in Java March 6-8

Event

Heavy flooding is impacting tens of thousands of residents in West Java as of Friday, March 8. According to the Bandung Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD Bandung) over 22,00 families have been affected by the rain that started on Wednesday, March 6, and has caused flood waters to reach almost 3 m (10 ft) in some areas. The worst hit areas include the districts of Baleendah, Dayeuhkolot, and Bojongsoang, which are all located along the Citarum River. Disaster officials have confirmed at least one fatality from the flooding; a man was electrocuted inside his flooded home in Baleendah. Road access between Dayeuhkolot and Banjara and Ciparay has been cut by the waters, preventing people from being able to evacuate from the area. Other transportation disruptions were also reported throughout the region due to the flooding. Additional rain and thunderstorms are forecast in West Java in the coming days and further flooding is possible.

Central and East Java have also experienced significant flooding since March 6. Klaten regency in Central Java has been the most impacted, with hundreds of homes and some schools being flooded. Families were also evacuated out of the Wonogiri regency after waters cut road connections with Pacitan. Officials shut down electricity in Wonogiri as a precaution. In East Java, 15 regencies are also experiencing flooding. Madiun is the most impacted and transportation disruptions have been reported throughout the area after roads were cut by the waters.

Advice

Individuals throughout Java are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate flooding and associated transportation disruptions, including road closures, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of moving water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.