Ogan Komering Ulu, KOTABARI.COM – Floods that have inundated three regions in Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) Regency, South Sumatra, show no signs of receding. The disaster has caused severe damage to 90 houses and forced thousands of residents to evacuate.
According to M Iqbal Alisyahbana, the Head of the South Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the most affected areas are in the upstream regions, including Lengkiti, Sosoh Buay Rayap, and Baturaja (East and West Baturaja). Meanwhile, some downstream areas such as Lubuk Batang are beginning to see water levels drop but are still in the initial stages of flooding.
“Some downstream areas in Lubuk Batang, Peninjauan, and Kedaton Peninjauan Raya are entering the initial stages of flooding, which usually recede after 3-5 days,” said Iqbal.
Several areas require special attention due to significant damage to public facilities. In Desa Negeri Ratu, both suspension and permanent bridges, the only access roads, have collapsed. Additionally, the concrete road in Desa Pedataran has fractured and suffered landslides, cutting off access to Ulu Ogan District from the upper side.
“The only accessible route is via the lower path, but it is prone to landslides,” added Iqbal.
In Ulu Ogan District, especially in Desa Ulak Lebar, the damage to houses is substantial. “In Ulak Lebar, around 54 houses are severely damaged,” he revealed.
According to the latest data from BPBD Sumsel, the flash floods affecting OKU have impacted 10,816 homes, with 11,915 households or 45,208 people affected. A total of 11,302 people have been displaced, and 90 homes have suffered severe damage. Additionally, five people have been reported missing and swept away by the currents, with one still unaccounted for.
“Victims with injuries and illnesses are still being documented,” explained Iqbal.
The local government and BPBD Sumsel are continuously working on disaster response and providing aid to affected residents. Search and rescue teams are still searching for the missing individuals, and efforts to rehabilitate damaged public facilities are a priority. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow instructions from authorities.