Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – Thousands of houses were inundated by floods after heavy and prolonged rain poured over the Lebak Regency, Banten, on Monday, December 2, 2024. The rain also caused landslides and several tree falls in the early hours.
The Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Abdul Muhari, stated that the flood occurred due to the overflowing water discharge of several rivers worsened by drainage conditions. The flood had not receded until Tuesday. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and related parties then evacuated residents trapped in the flood.
"The National Disaster Management Agency reported that 55 villages spread across 19 sub-districts were affected by the flood," said Abdul Muhari in his official statement on December 3, 2024.
Preliminary data on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, showed that 1,253 houses were inundated by the flood. Muhari said that field officers from BPBD Lebak Regency are still collecting data.
"There were no casualties in the flood disaster in the area. However, a landslide in this regency resulted in one fatality and another person injured," said Muhari.
The floods and landslides in Lebak Regency damaged residential areas, with 23 lightly damaged units, 15 moderately damaged units, and one severely damaged house. Meanwhile, nine public facilities and nine road sections were inundated.
A total of 19 sub-districts were affected, namely Banjarsari, Cijaku, Malingping, Wanasalam, Cigemblong, Cirinteun, Sajira, Panggarangan, Bojongmanik, Bayah, Leuwidamar, Gunungkencana, Cimarga, Cipanas, Cibeber, Kalanganyar, Muncang, Cikulur, and Cibadak,
The most affected sub-district was Banjarsari. Ten villages were flooded: Cidahu, Cilegong Ilir, Ciruji, Lebak Keusik, Umbul Jaya, Tamansari, Laban Jaya, Lewiipuh, Kumpay, and Bojongjuruh.
BNPB urges local governments and residents to remain vigilant and prepared to face the potential danger of worse floods. The weekly weather forecast for December 3-9, 2024, predicts rain with moderate to very heavy intensity, which may be accompanied by lightning and strong winds in the Banten region.
Abdul Muhari stated that residents could evacuate safely with the assistance of BPBD officers or joint teams. He asked families planning to evacuate independently to ensure that the effort was carried out safely, for example, by ensuring that the designated route is clear and there is no swift water flow.
"Additionally, every family can prepare a disaster preparedness kit according to the needs of their family members," said Abdul Muhari.
– Eka Yudha Saputra, Amirullah
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1948527/floods-inundate-55-villages-in-lebak-bante