"We have coordinated with the Ciliwung Cisadane River Basin Center (BBWSCC). We are currently evacuating the residents," Bekasi City Disaster Mitigation Office (BPBD) Chief Enung Nucholis stated on Saturday.
At the Jaka Kencana housing complex located in South Bekasi Sub-district, an old embankment collapsed, compelling local residents to flee to safer places, such as to their relatives' homes or the nearest mosques.
Incessant rains since Friday caused the water levels of Bekasi River to rise to 670 centimeters, as compared to a maximum capacity of 350 centimeters, according to a report from the Cileungsi-Cikeas River Care Community (KP2C).
The water volume of Bekasi River rose to such an extent that the river overflowed after the confluence of Cileungsi and Cikeas rivers in Bogor District, West Java.
Related news: Floods swamp residential areas in Bekasi
The Bekasi City BPBD dispatched 20 officers to the field to identify flood points and evacuate affected residents living along the riverbanks.
"We have prepared three to four boats to evacuate residents," he noted while adding that the authorities also attempted to temporarily replace the broken embankment by using sandbags, wire, and stones.
In the Bekasi City area, other areas inundated comprised Pondok Gede Permai, Jatirasa Villa, Kemang Ifi Graha, AL (naval) housing Complex, Jatiasih Indah (PPA), Pondok Mitra Lestari, the Ministry of Manpower housing complex, Pekayon Jaya, and Kartini Park.
The areas bearing the maximum brunt of the flooding included Gangg Mawar, Mayor Oking, Gang Lengkak, and Kampung Lebak, with floodwaters reaching a height of up to one meter.
"The weather is erratic, so the residents need to be wary of flooding, as the weather cycle is unpredictable," he cautioned.
In Bogor, Nusa Indah Villas 1 and 2 as well as the Bumi Mutiara housing complexes were also inundated.
Indonesia has entered the dry season, though rains continue to lash several regions.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
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