Ongoing floods affect more than 25 000 in East Java, Indonesia

Flooding across the Lamongan District in East Java, Indonesia, since April 9, 2020, hit about 7 500 houses, directly affecting more than 25 000 people. The local government responded to the situation by providing relief items to the afflicted population, however, an emergency has not been declared yet.

According to disaster authorities, flooding impacted 67 villages in the districts of Kalitengah, Turi, Glagah, Karangbinangun, Deket, Kecamatan Kota Lamongan, Tikung, Modo, Kedungpring, Kembangbahu, Sukodadi, and Babat. Other areas in East Java were also hit over the past days.

Although thousands have already been affected across several districts of the regency, the government is yet to declare an emergency as there was no large displacement. In Tuban Regency, 410 people in six villages were impacted as well.

Elsewhere in the country, heavy rain and storms also caused flooding in West Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara. More than 30 houses were damaged, affecting 185 residents.

Indonesia has been pounded by severe weather since early April. Over the weekend of April 4 to 5, landslides and flooding were reported in South Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, and West Sumatra. Disaster authorities said at least three people died.

Moderate to heavy rain is forecast over most of East Java on April 16 to 17.

Featured image credit: Media Padjajaran Nusantara Indonesia