Antara, Jakarta – The South Aceh Regency Government has declared a 14-day flood emergency response status following severe inundation across several areas in Trumon Tengah District.

"We inspected several flooded areas in Trumon Tengah District and reviewed all incoming reports, which is why we have declared a flood emergency response status," South Aceh Regent Mirwan MS said in South Aceh on Saturday, October 31.

Earlier, the South Aceh Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that 112 residents from Cot Bayu Village and Lhok Raya Village in Trumon Tengah District were forced to evacuate due to rising waters.

Flooding submerged the two villages in Trumon Tengah District, South Aceh Regency, with floodwaters reaching depths between 30 and 60 centimeters. Displaced residents took shelter at the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) post and at relatives' homes.

The South Aceh Regent stated that the emergency response status aims to accelerate mitigation efforts and heighten preparedness for potential follow-up flooding, given forecasts predicting heavy rainfall over the coming days.

"I have instructed all government ranks and the disaster response task force to increase vigilance and readiness," Mirwan said.

He urged flood-affected residents in disaster-prone areas to avoid panic buying basic necessities following the emergency declaration.

"In facing the current situation, it is crucial to heighten vigilance and preparedness without panicking. There should be no panic buying, which will only harm everyone during this emergency," Mirwan said.

Meanwhile, Lhok Raya Village Head Rasi Riadi explained that the flooding hit after the Lae Soeraya River embankment collapsed, submerging residential areas. Residents fled their homes over fears of secondary flooding.

"We hope the South Aceh Regency Government will rebuild the 210-meter collapsed embankment. The breach caused residential areas to be inundated by overflow from the Lae Soeraya River," Rasi Riadi said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2122731/south-aceh-declares-flood-emergency-response-statu