Severianus Endi
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, has issued an early warning for floods in the province ahead of downpours forecast for this week.
The agency issued the warning, which has been circulated via personal messaging applications, about the potential of heavy rains and rainstorms on Wednesday. The forecast is for Sambas, Bengkayang, Landak, Sanggau, Sintang, Kapuas Hulu, Melawi, Ketapang regencies and Pontianak municipalities.
Flooding has hit Sekadau regency, inundating houses near the rivers. Sekadau Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Edy Prestiyo, said Wednesday that on Feb. 19 to 20 the downpours had caused inundation of between 30 centimeters to 1.5 meters.
“The water has begun receding and latest report showed only seven houses were inundated, but only for five hours. But if there is more heavy rain, flooding is likely to occur again,” Edy said.