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Indonesia: Floods and Landslides - Dec 2019

Disaster description

Heavy rain in west Sumatra and central Sulawesi have caused floods, resulting in fatalities and damage. According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), 2 people died, 60 families have been displaced, 707 people affected and 57 houses damaged following flash floods in Sigi Regency (Central Sulawesi Province). 5,000 people have been displaced and 1,000 homes flooded in South Solok Regency (West Sumatra). More heavy rain is forecast across the affected provinces over the next 24 hours. (ECHO, 16 Dec 2019)

Multiple provinces (North Sumatera, West Java, Bengkulu and Jakarta) in Indonesia has been experiencing flooding starting from 28 December 2019. The floods are affecting the provinces at different scales. The total numbers of people affected have not been confirmed as assessments are ongoing.

In North Sumatera province, flash flooding affected four villages (Pematang, Hatapang, Batu Tunggal and Merbau Selatan) in Labuhanbatu Utara districts. Approximately 229 households (857 people) have been affected. There are four evacuation points in the area, currently occupied by 861 people.

In West Java Province, a river embankment collapsed in Cimareme village, Ngamprah sub-district. Approximately 131 households and 15 houses have been affected according to the Indonesian Disaster Management Agency Provincial Level / Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah (BPBD). Evacuation efforts are ongoing in the area. Most of the affected families are being evacuated to two mosques.

In Bengkulu Province, 138 houses located in the five sub-districts have been affected by floods due to heavy and persistent rainfall on 31 December 2019.

Heavy and persistent rainfall on 31 December 2019 in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi caused flooding in the areas with Bekasi being the worst affected area. (IFRC, 1 Jan 2020)

January 2020

As of 2 January 2020, at least 21 people have died. In Jakarta, over 62,000 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters. Indonesia’s government meteorology agency (BMKG) forecasts a further high intensity of rainfall between 11 and 15 January 2020. Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is working alongside the army, police, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), other ministries and the Indonesian Red Cross to provide emergency response alongside community-based organizations. (ECHO, 2 Jan 2020)

As of 5 January 2020, the authorities reported 60 people have died. At least 495,000 people have been affected by the massive floods, with approximately 100,000 people being displaced in greater Jakarta area. (AHA Centre, 5 Jan 2020)

As of 6 January, disaster management authorities (BNPB) reported that a total of 67 persons have died and 36,000 people remain displaced in at least 127 sites (down from over 100,000 people displaced on 5 January). While flooding has receded in several areas, high rainfall is forecast to continue for the next week. As of 4 January, BNPB had recorded 1,317 heavily damaged houses, 5 severely damaged public facilities, and 24 severely damaged bridges. BNPB has been leading national coordination with other national agencies to support local governments which have mobilized support to affected people by dispatching relief items, deploying personnel, disseminating information, and establishing evacuation centres (OCHA, 7 Jan 2020).

As of 9 January, the Indonesian National Board for Disaster management (BNPB) reported the number of displaced in Bogor Regency (West Java Province) has increased from 12,961 to 14,000 as well as in East Jakarta from 64 to 65 people, while in West Jakarta, has decreased from 602 to 484. The total number of displaced is now 18,870 people. The death toll has been revised to 61. National authorities together with NGOs continue to provide support to those affected. For the next 24 hours, more rain is forecast across the affected provinces and further floods and landslides are expected (ECHO, 9 Jan 2020).

Since the morning of 14 January, floods triggered by heavy rain have submerged Samarinda City (East Kalimantan Province, Borneo Island), 3 districts and 6 subdistricts, affecting at least 7,213 residents. Media reported various districts of the city remained flooded, and several schools, health centers and other public facilities have been damaged. There were no reports of fatalities or injuries. As of 15 January, floodwaters still inundated several areas in Samarinda, with the worst flood recorded in East Bengkuring Sempaja district where the water level reached as high as an adult's waist. Samarinda Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) reported no casualties. Some affected residents had been relocated to a shelter set up by the BPBD, while the rest were taken to the nearest mosque. Several public facilities such as a health center, a district administration office and schools were also affected by the flood. For the next 24 hours, moderate rain is forecast across the affected area (ECHO, 16 Jan 2020).

As of 21 January, media report at least nine fatalities in Kaur Regency (western Bengkulu Province) following the collapse of a bridge. In addition, one person is reported missing, while 30 more were rescued after the collapse. Moderate rain is forecast over southwestern Sumatra Islands for the next 24 hours. (ECHO, 21 Jan 2020).

According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management, as of 26 January, 2 people died and 2 have been injured following a landslide in Sumedang Regency (West Java), more than 350 people have been displaced and 20,000 affected in Bandung District (West Java), with almost 260 houses flooded in Bojonegoro Regency (East Java). The national authorities are providing emergency assistance to those affected. (ECHO, 27 Jan 2020).

Days of torrential rains in Central Tapanuli District of North Sumatra Province triggered flashfloods on 29 January, killing eight people and temporarily displacing some 700 households. The Head of Central Tapanuli declared an emergency response period of seven days and the local Government, police, and military conducted search and rescue operations, also providing basic relief assistance with support from the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) and the Ministry of Social Affairs.

February 2020

Heavy rains on Mount Kawi in Blitar District, East Java Province, on 31 January, triggered flashfloods in Krisik Village. A number of house were damaged and five bridges collapsed, cutting off access for approximately 85 households. The Provincial and District Disaster Management Agencies have provided relief assistance to affected people. (OCHA, 4 Feb 2020).

Widespread floods triggered by heavy rain affected four sub-districts in Musi Rawas Regency (South Sumatra Province) and 23 sub-districts in Jakarta Province. According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), as of 11 February, 3,635 families have been affected (2,744 in South Sumatra and 891 in Jakarta Province). Several people have been displaced in Jakarta Province and evacuated to 26 evacuation centres in east and south Jakarta. (ECHO, 11 Feb 2020)

Heavy rain continues to affect Sumatra and Java in recent days, causing floods and triggering landslides. According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), as of 13 February, 363 families have been affected by floods, and 306 houses have been damaged in Lima Puluh Kota Regency (West Sumatra Province). Widespread landslides occurred in West Bandung Regency (West Java) where several families have been displaced and 80 houses damaged. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) is conducting the emergency response, including the evacuation and rescue of those affected. (ECHO, 13 Feb 2020)

Heavy rain continues to affect Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan, causing floods and landslides that have resulted in casualties and damage. According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), one person died, one is still missing and 2 people were injured after a landslide in Pasaman Regency (West Sumatra Province). In Cirebon Regency (West Java), 15 people have been displaced and 1,120 houses have been flooded due to the overflow of Cisanggarung River. Furthermore, more than 1,600 people have been affected by widespread floods, 1,251 in Solok Regency (West Sumatra) and 379 North Penajam Paser Regency (East Kalimantan). (ECHO, 19 Feb 2020)

Heavy rain continues to affect the West Java Province (particularly Bandung and Bogor Regencies). The Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) reports, as of 20 February, four fatalities in Banjarwangi Village (Ciawi District, Bogor Regency) due to a landslide. In addition, around 420 people are displaced, more than 115,050 affected and approximately 16,000 houses and 47 schools are flooded. (ECHO, 20 Feb 2020)

On 21 February, flash floods were reported across Sleman Regency (Yogyakarta Special Administrative Region, Java Island). According to the national authorities, 10 people died after the Sempor river burst its banks and 23 others were injured. More than 249 people were assisted by search and rescue operations, which ended on 23 February. An orange alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds has been issued for most of Yogyakarta. Moderate to heavy rain is forecast over the affected area from 24-25 February. (ECHO, 24 Feb 2020)

Heavy rain in the last 24 hours has caused the overflow of the Ciliwung, Item, Sunter and Semongol rivers and flooding in numerous areas in an around Jakarta. Flood levels of 70 cm-1 m have restricted road access within the area. PMI (Indonesian Red Cross Society) mobilised personnel to conduct assessments, evacuations and coordinate with other actors. According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), more than 400 people have been displaced and 39 villages have been flooded. More heavy rain is forecast across the affected area over the next 24 hours. (ECHO, 25 Feb 2020)

Heavy rain has continues to affect western Java Island (particularly the Jakarta area and the nearby Karawang Regency, West Java Province), causing widespread floods and damage. According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), as of 26 February, more than 400 people have been displaced across the Jakarta area. In addition, BNPB reports 9,770 displaced people, 47,670 affected people, and more than 14,800 houses damaged throughout the Karawang Regency. (ECHO, 26 Feb 2020)

Nine people have died following the widespread floods and landslides in Jakarta and neighbouring provinces (four in Bekasi, three in Jakarta and two in South Tangerang). According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), as of 27 February, more than 80,000 people have been displaced and more than 85,000 affected in the Jakarta area and West Java. (ECHO, 27 Feb 2020)

March 2020

Between 24 and 27 February, flooding has been reported in Jakarta, Karawang and Bekasi Regencies of West Java, and South Tangerang Regency of Banten. At least 222,000 people were directly affected by the floods. Karawang Regency has declared the status of emergency response from 26 February to 10 March. Local and provincial governments have provided basic relief assistance and health services. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB), 652 disaster occurrences (mostly floods, tornadoes and landslides) have been recorder between January and February 2020 in Indonesia, caused a total of 123 deaths and 1.4 million people temporarily displaced. (OCHA, 3 Mar 2020)

Recent heavy rain triggered flash floods and landslides in Central and North Sulawesi provinces, leading to casualties. According to national authorities, one person died in Bolaang Mongondow Regency (North Sulawesi) and at least 55 houses or public facilities were damaged. More than 3,900 people have been displaced across North Sulawesi. Several villages remain inaccessible due to landslides damaging road infrastructure and a dyke broke in North Bolaang Mongondow Regency. In Central Sulawesi, one person is missing in Poso City and approximately 900 people have been displaced. More than 72 houses were destroyed or damaged. For the next 24 hours, light to moderate rain is expected across North Sulawesi and heavy rain over Central Sulawesi. (ECHO, 5 Mar 2020)

According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), as of 9 March, 106 people have been affected and 24 displaced in Semarang City (Central Java Province). Floods have been reported also in West Papua Province with 150 people affected. A tornado in Ambarawa Town (Central Java) injured one person and damaged several houses. (ECHO, 9 Mar 2020)

According to local government reports, from 4 March to 6 March, over 27,000 people were affected and two people killed by flooding in 55 villages in North Bolaang Mongondow District of North Sulawesi and at least 6,000 homes, 2,000 hectares of agriculture land and crops, and several infrastructure and public facilities were affected by the floods. (OCHA, 10 Mar 2020)

Widespread floods triggered by heavy rainfall have been affecting West Java Province over the last few days, leading to casualties and damage. According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), more than 400 people have been displaced, approximately 115,200 people affected across Bandung Regency. The same source reported 190 houses flooded in Depok City due to the overflow of Angke River. Since 13 March, floods have been occurring in Dili, East Timor. The government reported that there are 4,000 households or 25,000 people affected. Even though the floods receded, affected communities are still in need of essential relief items such as food and drinking water. The government are yet to declare an emergency phase or response for the flood. Up until today, the government is supporting the affected communities by providing and distributing food items. (ECHO, 20 Mar 2020)

Due to heavy and intense rainfall on 20-21 March, several area in 7 sub-districts located in Bandung district, West Java have been flooded. There are approximately 23,735 household with 84,609 people affected. The situation has improved and floods started receding in all affected area. The provincial government set up emergency post and the national society (PMI) mobilised volunteers to do assessment in the affected area (ECHO, 23 Mar 2020).

April 2020

The recent flooding triggered by heavy rain across 6 districts in Bandung Regency (West Java) caused at least one fatality and damage. According to media, one person died in Bojongsoang District, and the number of displaced people stands at 315. More than 56,000 people were affected, and approximately 9,300 houses damaged by flooding. Search and rescue operations carried out by national authorities are still ongoing, many roads across Bandung are bloocked by flood water. (ECHO, 02 Apr 2020).

Heavy rain caused flash floods and landslides in 2 districts of Tana Toraja Regency (South Sulawesi Province), killing 4 people. At least 20 families were displaced and many road links, including some main roads, were cut by the landslide. Another flooding event was reported across villages in Tanah Paser Regency (East Kalimantan Province, Borneo Island), affecting at least 2,258 people. Several houses and other buildings were damaged by floods waters. (ECHO, 06 Apr 2020) In Agam district, West Sumatra, flooding has affected 30 families and 150 people. (AHA Centre, 05 Apr 2020) Furthermore in Tanah Paser, East Kalimantan high intensity rainfall and high tide caused flooding affecting 629 families and 2,258 people. (AHA Centre, 4 Apr 2020)

Heavy rainfall and strong winds have been affecting several parts of the country (particularly Java and Kalimantan) over the last few days, causing widespread floods that have resulted in casualties and damage. According to the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA), at least 110 people have been affected and 19 buildings (18 houses and one school) flooded in Jember Regency (East Java Province). Additional floods have been reported in the estuary area of Tanah Paser Regency (East Kalimantan Province) where three villages have been flooded and other 538 people affected. Local authorities are currently assessing the impact. For the next 24 hours, moderate to heavy rain is forecast over the affected regions. (ECHO, 9 Apr 2020)

More than 7,500 houses were flooded and 25,000 people were directly affected by floods in Lamongan District of East Java on 11-13 April. Local Government did not declare an emergency response as there was no large displacement but has responded to the situation by providing basic relief items (OCHA, 14 Apr 2020).

A landslide occurred on 18 April in South Solok Regency (West Sumatra Province, Sumatra Island), killing 9 people, as reported by media. Search and rescue operations were hampered by heavy rain. Orange alerts for heavy rain with thunderstorms have been issued for several Regencies in West Sumatra, including the affected area. (ECHO, 20 Apr 2020).

On 19 April, a landslide occurred in Bulukumba Regency (South Sulawesi Province), killing 4 people. Search and rescue operations terminated and local authorities carried out evacuation operations in the affected area (ECHO, 21 Apr 2020).

Heavy rain has been affecting several parts of the country, particularly Java and Kalimantan, causing widespread floods and leading to casualties. According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), 3 people died, 3 other are still missing in Damang Batu District (Central Kalimantan Province) and one person died in Cimahi Tengah District (West Java Province). Search and rescue operations are still underway for those missing. (ECHO, 23 Apr 2020).

Heavy rain has been affecting west Java, south Sumatra, and south Kalimantan Islands over 22-26 April, causing river to overflow, triggering floods and causing damage. The Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) and the AHA Centre report, as of 27 April, 1,585 affected people and 317 damaged houses in Rejang Lebong Regency (Bengkulu Province), 720 affected people and 148 damaged houses in Serang Regency (Banten Province), and 112 affected people and 44 damaged houses in Penajam Paser Utara Regency (East Kalimantan Province). (ECHO, 27 Apr 2020).

Heavy rain has been affecting Java, Kalimantan, and northern Sumatra Islands over the last two days, triggering floods and landslides and causing damage. The Indonesian Authorities reported around 2,000 affected people, 2,000 damaged houses as well as three damaged schools across Pidie Jaya Regency in Aceh Province. In addition, one severely damaged building was reported in Panulisan Timur Village (Dayeuhluhur District, Cilacap Regency, Central Java Province) due to a landslide (ECHO, 30 Apr 2020).

Heavy rain, flash floods and landslides in May 2020

Heavy downpours in South Bandung in West Java Province on 30 April triggered the Citarum River to overflow, inundating over 21,800 houses. The Government of West Java reported that about 81,000 people were directly affected by the flooding. No deaths and injuries have been reported and the floodwaters receded within 2 days (OCHA, 5 May 2020).

Heavy and intense rain caused floods and landslides in West Sulawesi Province. The floods in Pasangkayu Districts inundated 4 villages and 2 subdistricts with the water level reaching 100-200 centimeters. 916 households with 3,805 people were affected by the floods and had been displaced in several IDP centers (ECHO, 8 May 2020).

Heavy rain affected Sumatra on 8-9 May, causing floods and leading to casualties and damage. According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), one person died, 95 households (approximately 700 people) have been displaced and 35 houses flooded in several Districts of Aceh Province. The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) reports 10 displaced people, 4,985 affected and widespread damage to houses and infrastructure in Ogan Komering Ulu Regency (South Sumatra Province). (ECHO, 12 May 2020).

Coastal flooding occurred in Demak District, Central Java Province on 13 May due to runoff from the sea to the mainland which effected 4 sub districts: Sayung, Karang Tengah, Bonang, Wedung. (AHA Centre 13 May 2020) Due to the intensity of rain, the river of Ciberang, Cimangenteung and Cisinu overflowed with flash flood and struck 4 villages in Cipanas area, Lebak District, Banten Province. The 4 villages are: Cipayung, Talagahiang, Bintangresmi and Paja. This Flash Flood hit another 3 sub-districts in Lebak District which are Sajira, Cipanas and Lebakgedong Sub Districts. (AHA Centre, 13 May 2020)

In Central Aceh, flash floods and landslides affected at least 254 people. The rapid assessment team is deployed. Initial damage includes dozens of houses in Paya Tumpi Village, coffee plantations and several surrounding roads. In Bogor district, West Java, heavy rain caused floods and landslide of Mount Leutk and damaged several houses around the foot of the mountain. It was reported that the water level in 2 villages reached 80 – 200 cm. At least 242 people reported to be affected and 51 people had been displaced. The search and rescue team, local authorities and villagers have been working for assessment, evacuation and emergency shelters (ECHO, 14 May 2020).

As of 15 May, heavy and intense rain have continued in Aceh; flash floods occurred at least in 5 subdistricts. At least 25 families, 89 people were displaced. 31 houses were severely damaged, and 26 were moderately damaged. Several roads and one bridge remain inundated and inaccessible. Local authorities provided initial support and rescue teams are deployed. However, inaccessibility and lack of communication network hindered the assessment and response in the affected areas. In Banten, a downpour lasting from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning led to floods and submerged at least 96 houses in three villages in the district. (ECHO, 15 May 2020)

As of 16 May, heavy rains hit Aceh Jaya District causing hundreds of houses to be flooded. The latest information indicate that the water continues to increase and it is possible that some will be displaced. Height of the water is around 60-100 centimetres. (AHA Centre, 16 May 2020) Due to the heavy rain in Aceh Timur, A number of villages in two sub-districts were hit by flooding following high rainfall in the east coast of Aceh since Saturday 16 May 2020. The water level 30 – 100 cm high. According to the latest update, water is still continuing to increase because the rain is still on-going. (AHA Centre, 16 May 2020)

Heavy rain affected Bogor Regency (West Java Province) on 19 May, causing floods and leading to casualties and damage. According to ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre), almost 16,000 people have been affected in Gunung Putri and Parung Panjang districts due to the Cileungsi river and Cibunar Cemplang river overflows. (ECHO, 22 May 2020)

Since 22 May, heavy and intense rain in East Kalimantan province, have caused floods in the Samarinda area. Based from initial assessment, approximately 4,054 households or 12,098 people are affected by the floods and there are 1,634 unit houses inundated by the floods. (AHA Centre, 25 May 2020)

Heavy and intense rain on 21 to 22 May has submerged 11 villages of eight sub-districts in Samarinda city, East Kalimantan province. In addition to the heavy rainfall, the flooding was triggered by a rise in water level at the Karang Mumus river, and Benanga dam. The mayor of Samarinda city has declared a 14-day emergency response period from 22 May to 4 June. As many as 41,837 people have been affected by the food, while 605 people had been evacuated to safer places. Due to the COVID-19 situation, Samarinda City Disaster Management Agency (BPBD Kota Samarinda) decided not to establish IDP centres. The majority of the displaced were from Sungai Pinang sub-district, and they had been evacuated to their relative’s houses. As of 27 May, 346 people were still displaced at PKK building (Pemberdayaan Kesejahteraan Keluarga, Family Welfare Movement). This number is expected to decrease as the water recedes (IFRC, 2 Jun 2020).

On 3-5 June, flooding was reported across several areas of Central Java Province, leading to damage. According to ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre), two villages were inundated along the north coast of the Java Sea in Tegal City, damaging 187 houses and affecting 1,335 people. Flooding was reported also in parts of Pekalongan City, affecting at least 100 people. Flooding, caused by heavy rain and river overflow, occurred in Sorong City (West Papua Provnce), damaging approximately 100 houses and affecting 500 people. Orange alerts for strong wind and thunderstorms have been issued for Central Java, and West Papua on 8-9 June. Moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms is forecast over parts of the already affected Provinces on 8-9 June (ECHO, 8 Jun 2020).

Floods have been reported in parts of South Sulawesi. More than 1,870 people have been affected, at least 20 people have been displaced, and at least 245 homes have been damaged. Those areas affected, included Luwu and Sidenreng Rappang (ECHO, 9 Jun 2020).

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