Indonesia – Floods Damage 1,500 Homes in West Java

Flooding has damaged almost 1,500 homes in parts of West Java Province, Indonesia, over the last few days.

Rescues and evacuations in Bekasi, Indonesia, after floods 24 October 2020. Photo: BNPB

According to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), flash floods have affected the cities of Depok and Bekasi.

Flooding struck in Depok City on 24 October, damaging around 1,000 homes and affecting at least 5,000 people. Emergency teams were deployed to help rescue victims who were trapped in flooded homes. Flood waters receded the next day.

Meanwhile floods and severe weather including a tornado affected the city of Bekasi, also in West Java Province, from 24 October. Over 500 people were displaced from their homes after the Bekasi river broke its banks leaving areas under 1.5 metres of water. At least 2,665 people were affected and 468 homes damaged.

The previous day the city was hit by a tornado which damaged homes and left one person injured.

According to figures from Indonesia’s meteorological agency BMKG, Bogor City recorded 120mm of rain in 24 hours on 24 October 2020. Bogor is situated around 20km south of Depok.

Rainfall in West Java and areas of Jakarta, Indonesia, 24 October 2020. Image: BMKG