Sekayu-Musi Rawas Cross-Country Road (Jalinteng), KOTABARI.COM – The escalating water levels in the Musi River have inundated the Sekayu-Musi Rawas Cross-Country Road (Jalinteng), prompting the Traffic Unit of Muba Police Resort to redirect traffic towards PALI Regency on Sunday (1/21/2024). The situation on the Sekayu-Mura route has become increasingly dire.
According to AKP Ricky Mozam, the Head of Traffic Unit at Muba Police Resort, the water overflow from the Musi River has now covered Jalinteng, especially in the Sanga Desa Subdistrict. “Yes, we redirected the traffic towards PALI Regency. The condition of Jalinteng has become impassable, with water levels reaching the height of an adult’s knees, approximately 50 to 70 centimeters,” stated Mozam.
To prevent vehicles from getting trapped in floods and potholes, the authorities have deployed teams to regulate traffic at vulnerable points. “Several areas, such as Kemang Village, Ngulak Village, and Ulak Teberau Village, are considered risky due to the high water level. In Ulak Teberau, for example, the water level increased just a few days ago, creating potholes in the road, and we are managing traffic alternately,” he explained.
Authorities are urging motorists not to attempt crossing the Sekayu-Mura Cross-Country Road. “It is advisable for vehicles not to force their way through as the water conditions are extremely high,” he emphasized.
Police Mobilize Patrol Teams in Response to Flooding
The Musi Banyuasin Police Resort (Muba) has instructed each police precinct in the affected areas to deploy personnel to handle the floods that have struck Muba and its surrounding areas. In addition to assisting in the evacuation of flood victims, the Muba Police are also taking precautions against potential theft and looting in flooded residential areas.
Kapolres Muba, AKBP Imam Safii, stated that they are currently documenting those who have evacuated, especially those residing near the Musi River. “Most are living in raised houses, occupying the upper parts of their homes. They have not completely vacated their houses,” he mentioned on Friday (1/19/2024).
However, he urged all precincts to monitor the situation constantly to provide assistance to the affected residents. “Currently, we have prepared rubber boats that can be used in conjunction with the Water Police. Despite traffic slowing down due to the water reaching 30 cm in height, it is still navigable,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kasat Lantas Polres Muba, AKP Ricky Mozam, further explained that the condition of Jalinteng Sekayu-Mura is still flooded. To traverse it, vehicles need to slow down to prevent waves from disturbing homes and to avoid submerged damaged roads. “We advise drivers to take the alternative route through Jalintim Palembang, Muara Enim, and Lubuk Linggau, as the current road conditions are uneven. We have also installed road barriers to prevent vehicles from plunging into potholes,” he concluded.