Indonesia has been hit by severe floods in recent days as heavy rainfall pounded the regions of Java and southwestern Borneo. According to the ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet), floods have flooded thousands of homes.
In Sambas Regency in Borneo, nearly 19 000 people have been impacted by the floods, with over 3 000 homes reported to be underwater. In Pasuruan Regency in Java, the situation is similarly dire, with up to 1 200 people affected and 600 homes flooded.1
Moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and strong winds is forecast over most of West Kalimantan and East Java Provinces in the days ahead.
The Indonesian government is working to provide assistance to the affected communities and minimize the damage caused by the floods.
Parts of Sumatra island have also been hit by severe floods, caused by heavy rainfall that started on January 21, 2023. The floods have caused widespread damage, with over 15 000 homes reported to have been damaged. Tragically, at least three people have lost their lives as a result of the disaster.2
The worst affected were areas in Aceh Province, located in far north Sumatra, with flooding reported in the regencies of Pidie Jaya, Aceh Tamiang, East Aceh, Bireuen, Pidie, and North Aceh.
Local authorities reported one fatality in Aceh Tamiang Regency, and two in Padang Pariaman Regency in West Sumatra Province.
1 Indonesia – Floods (ADINet, BMKG) – February 2023
2 Severe floods hit Sumatra, damaging thousands of homes and leaving 3 people dead, Indonesia – The Watchers – January 29, 2023
