Panca Nugraha The Jakarta Post 6 Mar 18;
Flash floods struck the districts of Dompu and Woja in Dompu regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) on Monday afternoon following high-intensity rain that lasted more than two hours.
According to the NTB Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), at least 1,000 homes in several villages and subdistricts were inundated, forcing more than 3,000 people to evacuate the areas.
“Floodwater began to cover Dompu and Woja districts at around 4:45 p.m. local time. The flooding was likely due to the overflow of water from Rabalaju River, whose retaining walls were not able to accommodate the increase in water volume,” BPBD-NTB head Muhammad Rum said on Monday evening.
In Dompu, flooding hit three subdistricts, namely Karake, Karijawa and Potu. Meanwhile, in Woja district, the subdistricts of Kandai Dua, Simpasai and Wawonduru were inundated.
Floodwater in the two districts also inundated public facilities, such as community health centers (Puskesmas) and schools. No fatalities or injuries have been reported.
“The material losses are still being calculated,” Rum added.
Floodwater began to recede at around 8:19 p.m. local time. However, thousands of people affected by the floos have yet to return to their homes.
“The BPBD-NTB moved to disaster sites to offer assistance and to distribute emergency relief. In Dompu, logistics, including the installment of public kitchens, have been distributed to affected areas,” said Rum. (ebf)
