"The flooding was triggered by torrential rain on Tuesday morning (April 22). Tens of thousands of people across nine sub-districts have been affected," Abdul Muhari, head of BNPB's Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, noted in a statement on Wednesday.
He shared information regarding residents affected by the floods, highlighting that 20,333 families across 70 villages were impacted. The floodwaters submerged 11,353 homes, 96 places of worship, 82 educational facilities, 32 health facilities, 51 government buildings, and 39 bridges.
In response, the North Barito district government declared a seven-day flood emergency response period, on April 21-27.
Muhari explained that the emergency status enables the central and regional governments to distribute aid and accelerate recovery efforts swiftly.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the regional disaster mitigation agencies of Central Kalimantan and North Barito have been in constant coordination with relevant institutions to monitor the situation and gather data on the disaster’s impact.
He also stressed the need to provide victims with a range of aid items, such as ready-to-eat meals, clothing, blankets, mattresses, tarpaulins, tents, kitchen appliances, school and hygiene supplies, lamps, water purifiers and water pumps, generators, inflatable boats, and portable toilets.
The official noted that despite the flood's broad reach, the water levels have started to recede, dropping to depths ranging from 50 to 150 centimeters in several affected areas.
"The BNPB will continue to monitor the situation in the field and encourage cross-sector coordination to ensure swift and coordinated handling. We urge residents to remain alert to potential subsequent floods and stay updated with official information," he added.
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Translator: M. Riezko, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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