04 Apr 2023 | 08:49 AM UTC
Indonesia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Central Kalimantan Province as of April 4
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, as of April 4. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Central Kalimantan Province as of April 4. Heavy rainfall has been ongoing in the region since March 29 and has caused rivers in the area to overflow. The worst-affected area is Kapuas Regency, where the Kapuas River has overflowed. At least 14 villages have been flooded in Central Kapuas and Timpah districts, affecting more than 4,000 homes and 16,000 residents. The floodwaters have also submerged dozens of schools, health facilities, and other public buildings. Roads in the region have been severely affected, with flooding reported in around 70 locations. Health concerns associated with the flooding have also been reported by authorities.
Floodwaters are beginning to recede in some parts of the affected region as of April 4; however, the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has forecast further periods of moderate-to-heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds across Central Kalimantan through at least April 6. An early warning has been issued due to the potential for flooding, landslides, and fallen trees caused by the adverse weather.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed 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 are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could also cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
The disruptive weather may cause delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Health
Flooding could 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. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Charge battery-powered devices if prolonged electricity outages occur.
