17 Feb 2023 | 02:09 PM UTC
Indonesia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Surakarta as of Feb. 17
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Surakarta, Central Java Province, Indonesia, as of Feb. 17. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Surakarta, Central Java Province, as of Feb. 17. Heavy rainfall has been ongoing in the region since Feb. 16 and has caused rivers in the area to overflow. As of Feb. 17, around 4,400 people have been evacuated across 16 sub-districts of the city. Nearly 22,000 people have been affected by the flooding. The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has forecast further periods of light-to-heavy rainfall in Surakarta over the coming days and issued an early warning for the potential for heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.
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.
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.
