Indonesia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of North Musi Rawas Regency, South Sumatra Province, as of April 24

Flood-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of North Musi Rawas Regency, South Sumatra Province, as of April 24. Heavy rainfall has been ongoing in the region since April 16 and has caused the Rupit and Rawat rivers to overflow, triggering widespread flooding; five of the regency's seven sub-districts have been impacted by the flooding. Authorities have reported at least four fatalities and more than 51,000 people affected by the floods across the regency. More than 600 homes and several other buildings and bridges have been damaged. Power and telecommunication network outages have been reported in some affected areas. Floodwaters have begun to recede in some areas of April 24; however, the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has forecast further showers across North Musi Rawas Regency through at least April 30. The BMKG is maintaining an early warning for moderate-to-heavy rainfall, which may be accompanied by lightning and strong winds across much of South Sumatra Province April 24-26.

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 rain 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. Repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions if there is severe damage to infrastructure.

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.