Indonesia: Heavy rainfall causes flooding and landslides in Aceh province May 8

Event

Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in several villages and districts in Aceh province on Friday, May 8. In Banda Aceh city, floods have been reported in the districts of Kuta Raja, Meuraksa, Baiturahman, Lueng Bata, Kuta Alam, and Jaya Baru.

In Aceh Besar regency, the sub-districts of Darul Imarah, Lhoong, and Peukan Bada have been impacted by the floods, with Darul Imarah being the worst affected. Hundreds of villagers have reportedly been evacuated. According to media reports, strong winds and landslides have also hit several areas of Aceh Besar. Separately, around 65 families from Alue Gro village in Aceh Jaya regency were also evacuated due to rising water levels.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued extreme weather warnings in the upcoming days due to the rainy season, which will reach its peak in May in Jakarta, and in June for other parts of Java. The BMKG has also warned of extreme weather in other areas, including Aceh, Riau, Riau islands, Bengkulu, South Sumatra, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and parts of Kalimantan.

Consequent flooding and associated disruptions to transportation and business is to be expected in affected areas over the near term.  

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate lingering transportation and business disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.