Irsyan Hasyim, Jakarta – The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported a coastal flooding in Medan City, North Sumatra on Saturday, September 7, 2024, due to heavy rainfall that coincided with high tide.
Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said the flood inundated several locations in Medan Marelan and Medan Labuhan Districts, with water levels reaching 20 to 50 centimeters.
"This coastal flooding was caused by the overflowing water from the Siombak Lake drainage channel, which caused water to pool in several residential areas, especially in Paya Pasir and Labuhan Deli Villages, as well as the Martubung region," he said in a written statement on Monday, September 9.
According to the report received by BNPB, the flood affected as many as 330 households, around 985 people, and 295 houses.
Muhari said Medan City Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has conducted a rapid assessment and worked with local authorities to speed up the mitigation process. "We have opened the water gates to Siombak Lake to accelerate the flood receding and pumping water from residents' houses," he said.
As an anticipatory measure against the possibility of high tides returning in the afternoon and evening, Medan City BPBD personnel, together with the Sub-district Head and civil servants of Paya Pasir Village have been put on standby at the location.
Muhari said that a Public Kitchen Post was also established at the Al-Husaini Mushola, in collaboration with the Medan City Social Service, to support the logistical needs of affected residents. "A total of 500 packages of rice have been distributed to affected residents as part of the emergency response measures," he said.
As of Sunday evening, the coastal flooding in Medan City has yet to recede completely. BNPB urged people living in flood-risked areas to remain vigilant, especially during the rainy season. "Residents are advised to monitor the latest weather forecast from related institutions and immediately evacuate to a safer place in case of a sudden rise in water," said Muhari.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1913945/coastal-flooding-inundates-medan-city-bnpb-report