Floods in Bogor, BNPB urges residents in Greater Jakarta to be cautious

Jakarta (ANTARA) - As flood hits Bogor, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) urged residents in flood-prone areas in the Greater Jakarta region to be vigilant about flooding that may occur due to heavy rains in Bogor, West Java.

"As floods have been reported in Bogor District, (the residents of) other regions, such as Jakarta, particularly residents along the Ciliwung River as well as Banten, particularly in Lebak, and Tangerang, must enhance their preparedness and start mitigating possible floods," BNPB's acting Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre Head  Abdul Muhari  stated here, Saturday.

"According to the latest weather forecast from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), rains might still occur till night," he noted.

The acting centre head cautioned that thunderstorms and winds might be experienced in West Jakarta, South Jakarta, and East Jakarta until afternoon, while the Greater Jakarta region might continue to receive light- to moderate-intensity rains until night.

Muhari remarked that prolonged heavy rains had caused flooding in six sub-districts of Sukaraja, Citeureup, Bojong Gede, Jonggol, Kemang, and Cibinong in Bogor District, West Java, Friday (July 15), exacerbated by the silting of Pesanggrahan River.

Related news: BPBD confirms 610 flood victims in West Jakarta taking refuge

According to a quick calculation conducted by the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Bogor District, some 3,891 residents are affected by the flooding, and 209 residents were compelled to seek refuge in safer areas for several hours before the floodwaters recede, he remarked.

Flooding also affected 941 houses and three places of worship, the official stated.

The BNPB urged residents near a cliff or by the riverside to increase vigil to possible disasters and evacuate to a safer area if high-intensity rains continue for over one hour, Muhari stated.

Meanwhile, Banten Province's BPBD Head, Nana, pointed to a high possibility of floods in Bogor District affecting Lebak and Tangerang in the province.

"It is clear that when flooding occurs in Bogor, it will have direct consequences in Banten, particularly in Lebak and Tangerang," Nana stated.

The provincial agency head also sought assistance and logistics support, as the province's BPBD stocks were dwindling.

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Reporter: Andi Firdaus, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf