Sukabumi Submerged After Two Days of Torrential Rain
Sukabumi Regency in West Java, Indonesia, has been battered by two consecutive days of heavy rain, resulting in widespread flooding, landslides, and at least one instance of bridge collapse. As of Wednesday, December 4, water levels in some areas have reached two meters, forcing residents to flee to safety.
Rivers Overflow, Thousands Impacted
According to Police Commissioner Roni Haryanto, head of the Pelabuhan Ratu Sector Police (Kapolsek), the floodwaters were primarily caused by the overflowing Cisawo and Cigangsa rivers. The relentless downpour, beginning Tuesday afternoon and continuing through Wednesday morning, has caused rivers and streams to burst their banks.
“We continue to carry out coordination efforts with BPBD and related agencies to help affected residents,” stated Roni on Wednesday, emphasizing the ongoing rescue and relief efforts employed by authorities.
Along with police personnel, Sukabumi Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) teams have already evacuated 50 residents to designated disaster alert posts scattered across the affected areas.
Village Submerged, Landslides Reported
News reports indicate that four villages in the Ciemas sub-district were particularly hard hit by the flooding, with water levels reaching two meters in several locations — Mekarsakti Village, Mandrajaya Village, Tamanjaya Village, Ciwaru Village, and Ciemas Village.
“The water level in several locations reached up to two meters, so some residents had to be evacuated to safer places,” confirmed AKP Deni Miharja, Ciemas Police Chief.
Besides Palabuhan Ratu and Ciemas sub-districts, reports indicate at least six other sub-districts, including Cidolog, Gegerbitung, Tegalbuleud, and Pabuaran are experiencing severe flooding.
In addition to the floods, a Daily Head of the Sukabumi Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Deden Sumpena, reports a wave of landslides and ground movement incidents affecting at least 18 other villages across the region. These landslides were reported in: Sangrawayang Village (Simpenan District), Sirnaresmi Village (Cisolok District), Babakan Panjang Village (Nagrak District), Cibaregbeg Village (Sagaranten District), Loji Village (Simpenan District), Palabuhanratu Village (Palabuhanratu District) as well as Hegarmamah Village (Warungkiara District), and Lengkong Village (Lengkong District).
Ground movement incidents occurred in Sukamaju Village (Cikembar District), Bantargadung Village (Bantar Agung District), with two additional sites also located within Bantargadung Village.
Assessment Ongoing, Human Impact Remains Uncertain
“We are evacuating the disaster location. BPBD Sukabumi Regency is still collecting and carrying out data assessment,” stated Deden, outlining the ongoing assessment of the disaster’s full impact; the extent of the damage remains unclear.
What are some ways viewers can help the people affected by the floods in Sukabumi?
## Interview: Sukabumi Floods
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today to discuss the devastating floods in Sukabumi, Indonesia, is [Guest Name], an expert in disaster response and recovery. [Guest Name], thanks for being here.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Sukabumi has been hit hard by two days of relentless rain. Can you tell us more about the situation on the ground?
**Guest:** It’s a really dire situation. The relentless rainfall caused the Cisawo and Cigangsa rivers to overflow, leading to widespread flooding. As you mentioned, water levels have reached up to two meters in some areas, forcing many residents to flee their homes [Host mentions detail from article].
**Host:** That’s absolutely heartbreaking. What are the immediate needs in the affected areas?
**Guest:** Right now, the priority is ensuring the safety of residents and providing them with essential supplies. We’re talking about food, clean water, shelter, and medical attention. Rescue teams, including police and BPBD, are working tirelessly to evacuate those stranded and provide assistance [Host mentions detail from article].
**Host:** We’ve heard reports of landslides and bridge collapses. How widespread is the damage?
**Guest:** The damage is significant and widespread. Beyond the flooding, the landslides are adding to the chaos and making access to certain areas more difficult [Host clarifies detail from article]. It’s going to take a considerable amount of time and resources to assess the full extent of the damage and begin the long process of rebuilding.
**Host:** It sounds like a long road ahead for the people of Sukabumi. What can our viewers do to help?
**Guest:** There are many ways to help. Donations to reputable aid organizations working on the ground can provide much-needed relief to those affected. Spreading awareness about the situation can also help mobilize support and encourage others to contribute. Every bit of help counts during times like these.
**Host:** Thank you, [Guest Name], for providing us with such a timely and insightful update. Our thoughts are with the people of Sukabumi during this difficult time.
