Heavy Rain Triggers Floods In Aceh, North Sumatra And Riau – BNPB

JAKARTA, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- Floods, triggered by intense rainfall, have affected several provinces in Sumatra, Indonesia, including Aceh, North Sumatra, and Riau, with a total of 1,943 people affected, said Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

In Aceh, floods have inundated 78 houses on Monday due to river overflow in Pante Bidari, East Aceh, following the heavy rain over the past few days.

“To date, the water level in Pante Bidari continues to rise," said BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari in a statement on Tuesday, urging the public to remain alert.

In North Sumatra, floods have affected several areas, including Binjai City and Medan City.

In Binjai, heavy rain caused the overflow of the Bangkatan, Binjai and Mencirim rivers, resulting in floods with water levels ranging from 20 to 100 centimetres in Rambung Barat, Binjai Selatan.

“Some 807 people have been affected, and 169 houses have been submerged. The floods began to recede on Monday evening,” said Abdul Muhari.

In Medan City, 680 people in Marelan and Belawan were affected, with water levels ranging from 20 to 130 centimetres, forcing residents to either remain in their homes or move to safer areas.

In Riau, floods also hit Kampar due to the overflow of the Subayang River on Monday morning, affecting 456 people as well as one educational facility and submerging 180 houses.

“Road access has been blocked, making it impossible for motorcycles and cars to pass, while residents have chosen to stay in their houses,” said Abdul Muhari.

-- BERNAMA