Indonesia – Floods and Landslides in Java Leave 15 Dead and 50,000 Affected

Flooding and landslides have affected wide areas of the island of Java in Indonesia since 22 February, 2018. At least 15 people have died in 2 separate landslides. Meanwhile widespread flooding has affected over 50,000 people with more than 10,000 homes damaged.

Central Java Landslides

The death toll from a landslide in Central Java in Indonesia has increased to 11, with 7 people still missing and 4 survivors found. Triggered by days of heavy rain, the landslide struck in Pasir Panjang, Brebes Regency on Thursday 22 February, 2018.

Indonesia’s disaster management authority, BNPB, said that the slide was about 1 km long and 120 metres wide. As of 25 February, a 400 strong SAR team was still searching through the rubble and along rivers and streams in the area.

Another landslide occurred on 23 February in Purbalingga Regency. BNPB reports that 4 people were killed and 6 injured.

Central Java Floods

In addition to the landslide in Brebes, flooding has affected around 20,000 people in Brebes and neighbouring Cirebon Regency, as well as disrupting road and rail transportation.

On 23 February, heavy rainfall has caused flooding in four villages in Cepu District, Blora Regency, leaving some areas under flood water 50cm deep, according to local disaster agencies. Over 800 people were affected and 17 hectares of farmland damaged.

Flooding has also affected parts of Cilacap Regency, where almost 500 homes have been submerged in Wanareja District, affecting over 1,600 people and damaging crops and agriculture.

West Java Floods

Heavy rain caused flooding in Bandung Regency, West Java, on 22 February. Local disaster agencies said almost 10,000 houses were damaged and around 30,000 people affected in the seven districts of Baleenda, Dayeuhkolot, Bojongsoang, Majalaya, Paseh, Ibun and Solokan Jeruk. Schools and religious buildings were also damaged.

In Pangandaran Regency, flood water up to 2.8 metres was seen along low lying areas of the Citanduy River. Almost 100 people have been displaced and 32 homes severely damaged.

East Java Floods

Intense rainfall caused flooding in Situbondo regency, East Java on 24 February. Around 460 homes have been damaged and 2,300 people affected. Some areas were under 50 cm of flood water.

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