HSU hits by the worse flood in 25 year

Amuntai, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Amuntai, the capital of North Hulu Sungai (HSU) District, was almost collapsed as flash flood coming from the neighboring districts of Balangan and Tabalong hit it.

The official residence of HSU Police Chief on Jalan Basuki Rahman just right across the District Hospital of Pambalah Batung was swamped by water level reaching the knees of adults. 

But residents living in lower areas, such as Danau Terate Village and surrounding areas, Tambalangan Village and Hulu Pasar suffered severe conditions as water reaching as high as an adult's waist.

Head of the Communication and Information Agency H Adi Lesmana here on Monday (Feb 10, 2020) said, the flood conditions were the highest in the past 25 years.

"Yes..this is the highest. I hope parents are more careful watching their children not to play in flood areas," Adi said.

Based on the monitoring, water discharge continues to increase from Sunday to Monday morning. Some roads are difficult to be passed, even by two or four-wheeled vehicles. Drivers who forced to cross the flood experienced engine failure.

The road from Pantai Hambawang to Amuntai, precisely at Kandang Halang Village and Pasar Senin were also flooded, while water deep and run swiftly. Motorcycles trying to pass should be very careful if not their engine would suddenly die.

Police have installed police lines in a number or roadsides contain waterways or deep holes that could endanger road users, especially children.
 
Residents of Sungai Malang Urban Villages were surprised to find the water has inundated their neighborhood. The area rarely affected by flood.

Meanwhile, HSU Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) operated an inflatable boat at the front of Pambalah Batung Hospital to help transport patients, medical officers, and visitors to and from a parking lot across the street.

Head of the BPBD's Logistics and Emergency Section Udi Hartono said the agency together with police and military, TRC and Tagana patrol around the flood area to help people in need.

Vice Regent of HSU H Husairi Abdi and other officials of the district came the locations of the flood, including in Tangga Ulin Village. Husairi urged residents, especially those living on the riverbank to remain vigilant considering the river flows is still quite heavy.

Here is the video of the condition of the flood in Amuntai on Monday morning (Feb 10, 2020).