Indonesia: Flooding occurring in parts of Cilegon City, Banten Province as of December 3

Event

Heavy rains and thunderstorms are affecting parts of Cilegon City, Banten Province, as of Dec. 3, and have led to flooding. The most affected areas are reportedly Ciwandan and Gerogol districts, with some flooding also affecting Cibeber, Cilegon, Citangkil, and Jombang districts. Reports indicate that the flooding has blocked access between Cilegon City and Anyer and has displaced hundreds of locals. Additional flooding is possible through Dec. 3; the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) forecasts rains to continue through at least the late afternoon of Dec. 3. Lingering disruptions may continue as the flooding subsides through Dec. 4.

Hazardous Conditions

Heavy rainfall has triggered flooding in various parts of Cilegon City, especially the low-lying areas. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides cannot be discounted in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services may occur where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Flooding has blocked access between Cilegon City and Anyer. Freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes impacted by floodwaters. Additionally, officials may close roads in the region if the severe weather persists.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Health

Flooding may heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Seek updated information on weather and related disruptions, including road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices if prolonged electricity outages occur.