Indonesia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across Demak Regency, Central Java Province, as of Feb. 13

Widespread disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across Demak Regency in Central Java Province as of Feb. 13. Heavy rainfall has been ongoing in the region since Feb. 8 and has caused rivers in the area to overflow. River embankments have collapsed in places, exacerbating the situation. Authorities have reported that more than 21,000 people have been displaced and more than 84,000 people affected across Demak Regency. Officials have established 59 relief centers for those evacuated from the floods. Four fatalities have been confirmed and around 1,350 homes have been submerged. Many roads have been cut off by flooding in the affected areas, including sections of the Demak-Kudus highway.

Further adverse weather is forecast in the region over the coming days. The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has issued an early warning due to the potential for moderate-to-heavy rainfall, lightning, strong winds, and flooding across parts of central Java Feb. 13-15 and further showers are forecast in Demak through at least Feb. 19. Additional downpours will likely exacerbate the ongoing flood situation and hamper ongoing response efforts.

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.

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.

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.