2016 the worst for natural disasters in Indonesia in the last decade
In the period between January 1 and November 11, 2016, 1 985 natural disasters were reported in Indonesia, the highest number seen in the last 10 years, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
According to the agency report, out of 1 985 total disasters, 659 were floods which induced 572 whirlwinds and 485 landslide incidents. The natural disasters have affected 2.52 million people, caused 375 deaths, and 383 injuries. The worst year, after 2016, was 2014, as 1 967 natural disasters were reported.
Video credit: Associated Press
Video credit: CCTV News
Indonesia will likely experience more intense disaster events by January 2017 due to a strong La Niña phenomenon, known for causing torrential downpours and widespread flooding across the state, the BNPB predicts.
“Regions previously unaffected by natural disasters are now susceptible to calamities. Several areas in Bandung, West Java, for example, have flooded on account of not being able to accommodate extremely large volumes of rain,” said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a BNPB spokesman.
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Video credit: Dedih Junaedi via YouTube
According to experts, the rainfalls will increase and reach their peak in January 2017 and will likely cause more flood-related incidents.
Featured image: Severe flooding, Indonesia – October 2016. Credit: Yeni Safak
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