The government in Greater Jakarta is assessing the urgent needs of residents affected by flooding, encompassing various aspects from rescue and evacuation to the restoration of infrastructure.
During a recent virtual coordination meeting on emergency responses to hydrometeorological disasters, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno, highlighted the key priorities in flood relief efforts. These priorities include saving affected communities through evacuation, providing essential needs like food and health services, and restoring settlements and infrastructure.
Pratikno emphasized the importance of swift action in saving and evacuating affected communities to ensure their basic needs are met. He stressed the need for a coordinated effort among various agencies, including the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the military, National Police, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and business institutions.
One of the crucial measures mentioned by the government is weather modification operations to reduce the amount of rainfall in flood-affected areas. This approach aims to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall that has led to flash floods in the region.
According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the recent floods were triggered by heavy rainfall, with floodwaters reaching heights of 1 to 4 meters in several areas. Guswanto, the Deputy for meteorology at BMKG, described the rainfall in Bogor city as extreme, with rain intensity exceeding 110 mm per day.
The overflow of the Ciliwung river basin (DAS) due to extreme rainfall led to flash floods affecting Bogor city, Bogor district, Jakarta, Depok, Bekasi, and Tangerang. In response to the flooding, the government has urged residents living in riverbanks, flood-prone areas, and landslide-prone areas to enhance their preparedness.
In a bid to support flood relief efforts, Baznas has deployed rescue teams to assist flood victims in Jakarta and Bekasi. Additionally, the BNPB is focused on restoring road access in flood-affected areas before Eid.
As the government continues to address the aftermath of the floods in Greater Jakarta, the collaborative efforts of various agencies and organizations remain crucial in providing relief to affected communities and restoring normalcy in the region.
