More than 30 000 affected by flooding in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Floods in Samarinda City, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia over the past couple of days affected 30 894 people, the disaster management (BPBD) reported on May 25.

Inundations started from around May 22, following a period of heavy rain, affecting four sub-districts in 14 urban villages in the city.

Among the worst-hit areas was North Samarinda, where up to 1 671 houses were submerged, impacting 13 896 people. In the district of Sungai Pinang, 1 634 houses were engulfed, affecting 6 211 individuals.

In the neighboring province of South Kalimantan, 190 houses were damaged and 585 people were affected in Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency.

Several main roads remain inaccessible as floodwater levels continue to increase above 0.8 m (2.6 feet).

While some of the affected communities are evacuating themselves to safer areas, many are still living in their inundated houses and are waiting to be relocated to evacuation centers.

The Samarinda Electricity Company have shut down electrical substation around the affected area.

Featured image credit: BPBD Samarinda