We have prepared logistics in advance; BPBD officers will distribute (the logistics aid) to districts/cities (administration) and then to affected residents.
Batam, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - The number of people affected by coastal flooding on Bintan Island, which includes parts of Tanjungpinang City and Bintan District, has been recorded at 13,018, the Riau Islands Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) reported on Friday.

"Currently, the number of victims recorded in Bintan Island (which encompasses Tanjungpinang City and Bintan District) is 13,018 people," Head of the Riau Islands BPBD Muhammad Hasbi said here on Friday.

BPBD officials are still recording the impact of the flooding in other parts of Riau Islands, such as Batam City and Karimun, Lingga, Anambas, and Natuna Districts, he added.

"Tomorrow (the data collection) is likely to be complete," he said.

According to him, floods caused by extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and strong winds have been reported in almost all parts of the Riau Islands region in the period from Monday (January 23, 2023) to Thursday (January 24).

"Coastal flooding is a natural phenomenon that occurs every year and this is a problem that we have to tackle, to anticipate so that the impact is not too significant," Hasbi explained.

The local BPBD is coordinating with district and city governments for dealing with the impact of floods, such as preparing evacuation camps and distributing assistance to affected residents, he added.

"We have prepared logistics in advance; BPBD officers will distribute (the logistics aid) to districts/cities (administration) and then to affected residents," he informed.

Earlier, on Thursday (January 26), Riau Islands BPBD reported that several points in Tanjungpinang city were submerged by coastal floods.

There were no casualties due to the flooding, but most of the residents lost their property or material things, Hasbi said.

He asked residents to remain vigilant against another potential flood during the high tide season.

The Riau Islands Health Office has also advised residents to watch out for potential diseases caused by coastal flooding such as diarrhea, fever, flu, and skin-related diseases.

Related news: Semarang prepares measures against coastal flooding during new moon
Related news: South Sulawesi govt committed to handling abrasion in Takalar












Translator: Ilham P, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2023