Indonesia – High Tide Floods in Central Java, Heavy Rainfall in West Papua

by in Asia, News

High tides have caused flooding in parts of Central Java, Indonesia, over the last few days, damaging hundreds of homes in Tegal and Pekalongan. Meanwhile heavy rainfall has triggered flash flooding in West Papua Province on New Guinea Island in the far east of the country.

floods in Sorong Regency, West Papua Province, Indonesia, June 2020. Photo: BNPB

Central Java Province

Disaster authorities in Indonesia report that 187 homes were damaged after high tides triggered tidal floods in the city of Tegal in Central Java Province.

Over 1,300 people from 267 families living in low-lying areas were affected buy the flooding, which began during the afternoon of 03 June.

According to a report from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Tegal City, the worst affected areas are the villages of Muarareja and Tegal Sari.

High tides have also caused flooding in Pekalongan City, around 60km east along the coast from Tegal. Antara news agency reported that hundreds of residents were evacuated after flooding struck on 02 June.

West Papua Province

Heavy rain caused flooding in Sorong Regency in West Papua Province on 03 June. Sorong Regency local disaster authority BPBD reported around 500 people were affected after flooding damaged over 100 homes. There were no displacements however.

Heavy rain caused rovers to overflow, with flood waters up to 60cm deep in some areas. BPBD is coordinating relief efforts with relevant agencies and urged the public to be vigilant.

Heavy rain has also recently affected neighbouring province of Papua, where 174mm fell in 24 hours to 05 June, 2020.

Heavy rainfall in Papua Province, Indonesia, 05 June 2020. Image: BMKG

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