Indonesia – 12,000 Affected by Floods and Landslides in Sumatra

by in Asia, News

Heavy rainfall since late April has caused flooding and landslides on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, damaging homes and livelihoods and affecting over 12,000 people. Flooding was also reported in neighbouring parts of Java Island.

Floods in Cilegon, Banten Province, Java, Indonesia, May 2020. Photo: BPBD Cilegon

Sumatra

Flooding struck parts of Sarolangun Regency, Jambi Province, after high intensity of rain in the caused the overflow of the Batang Merangin and Tembesi Rivers on 02 May, according to AHA Centre. Hundreds of homes were flooded in 11 villages, affecting 3,300 people.

The day before, heavy rain caused flooding on the islands of Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra Province, off the western coast of Sumatra. At least 8,780 people were affected in 10 villages, with flood waters reportedly reaching 2.5 metres deep.

Heavy rain caused flooding and landslides on 30 April in Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra, damaging crops, river embankments and 4 bridges. Also on 30 April, 6 villages were flooded in Asahan Regency in North Sumatra Province after the Pasa Hulu river broke its banks. Several homes were flooded, affecting around 100 people.

Java

Meanwhile on the neighbouring island of Java, around 1,000 people were affected and 176 displaced by flooding in Bogor Regency, West Java, on 01 May after heavy rainfall caused the Cikarang river to overflow. Three hours of heavy rain on 04 May caused flooding in Cilegon City, Banten Province.

Thousands of people have also been affected by flooding in Bandung, West Java, over the last few days.

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