Indonesia: Flooding continues to occur in parts of West Java's Bekasi and Karawang regencies as of Feb. 23 /update 1

Event

Heavy rains and flooding continue to affect West Java Province's Bekasi and Karawang regencies as of Feb. 23. Several rivers, including Cibeet and Citarum, have overflown, leading to flooding in Bekasi and Karawang. The worst-affected areas include Cibitung and Cikarang in Bekasi Regency, as well as West Karawang District in Karawang Regency. Authorities also attributed flooding in the eastern and southern parts of Jakarta to the overflowing of Ciliwung, Cipinang, Krukut, Pesanggrahan, PHB Sulaiman, and Sunter rivers. Local officials stated Feb. 22 that the water had receded in all parts of Jakarta; however, lingering flooding and disruptions may continue to affect some localities. The conditions have resulted in at least five casualties in Jakarta and led thousands of people across Jakarta, Bekasi, and Karawang to evacuate.

The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) forecasts that light to moderate rains will persist in parts of Jakarta, Bekasi, and Karawang through at least Feb. 24; however, the agency has also forecast that additional heavy rain is likely through at least early March. Disruptions may continue until the flooding subsides.

Hazardous Conditions
Additional flooding is also possible in 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 areas where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities may issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities. Officials have also cut power to thousands of homes in Jakarta and Karawanga due to the risk of electrocution. Further electricity and telecommunications service outages may occur in areas with significant flooding.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges or rail networks impassable. Freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible. Ponding on road surfaces has caused hazardous driving conditions. Authorities may temporarily close some routes impacted by floodwaters. Officials may close further roads if the severe weather persists. Operators also continue to suspend inter-city train routes departing from Gambir and Senen stations in Jakarta as of Feb. 23 and may close additional services.

Localized business disruptions are possible. Businesses that remain open 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.

Resources

Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics
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