Flood hits Barabai again

Barabai, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Barabai City, the capital of Central Hulu Sungai (HST) District, South Kalimantan, is now being swamped by flooding after the Barabai River overflowed as a result of high rainfall since Monday night (January 10, 2022).

"This morning several villages in the upstream area of Batu Benawa Sub-district have been inundated then at 11.30 Wita (local time) the water has overflowed the city," said a Barabai resident, Jamal, Tuesday (January 11, 2022).

According to him, the government has called out residents to be on alert and secure their belongings to the higher places.

Acting Head of Barabai Sub-district M Ramadlan said that areas being inundated were Jalan Ulama, Jalan Kemasan, Jalan Tri Kesuma, Bulau, Padawangan, Kawasan Pasar 1, Pasar 2, and Pasar Murakata.

In addition, he said, runoff flood has also swamped Benawa Tengah Village, Barabai Utara Urban Village, Barabai Darat, and Pajukungan Village. "Water level varied from 10 to 50 cm," said Ramadlan.

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He said he had been coordinated with TNI-Polri and related agencies, and had asked residents to keep being alert and not to panic.

"We stay on alert if water discharge increasing and will inform residents if they have to be evacuated to shelter places," he said.

The flood also widespreaded to downstream area, such as Jaranih Village and Masiraan Sub-district.

HST District had previously suffered flood disasters for several times during the rainy season.

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