Severe weather affects 60 000, nearly 14 000 homes damaged or destroyed in West Java, Indonesia

Approximately 60 000 people were affected by severe weather in Indonesia as floodwaters continue to inundate six districts in West Java, according to the disaster management's report on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.

Flooding since Thursday, January 23 inflicted damaged or destroyed 13 881 houses, 23 schools, 79 churches, 18 public facilities, and 278 ha (687 acres) of rice fields. The water level was as high as 2 m (6.6 feet) in some areas.

In addition, Andir Road to Ketapang was also submerged and is still impassable.

Out of the 59 917 afflicted residents, 3 882 were forced to evacuate in several districts across the province.

The Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNBP) said the six districts that sill suffering from the deluge include Baleendah District, Dayeuhkolot District, Bojongsoang District, Rancaekek District, Majalaya District, and Ciparay District.

BNBP said there are evacuation points in the Dayeuhkolot Village Hall, Ashofia Mosque, Baitu Haq Mosque, Al-Musofa Mosque, Argadinata Mosque, Al-Barokah Mosque, Parunghalang Shelter, INKANAS Baleendah Building and a number of other refugees scattered in several districts.

Furthermore, authorities continue to conduct assessments in the affected areas and monitor water levels at the same time. Assistance such as food and other basic needs were also being provided to the evacuees.

Image credit: BNBP

​Image credit: BNBP

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over western and southeastern areas of West Java on Wednesday, January 29. Orange warnings have also been issued for the rest of January.

At the beginning of January, 66 people died after days of torrential rain caused floods and landslides, which affected the province of Banten and the capital city Jakarta.

Julie Celestial

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