Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU), KOTABARI.COM – In the aftermath of a significant flood, the OKU Regency Government has declared a state of emergency in response to the flood disaster. The flood has impacted the lives of the community, affecting their economy, basic needs, and more.
“OKU has declared a flood disaster emergency response status. It’s no longer on alert status,” said Sudirman, the Head of the Emergency Response Division of the South Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), on Sunday (12/5/2024).
According to Sudirman, the decision to declare a disaster emergency status was made due to the large number of residents displaced by the flood. The flood has also caused damage to infrastructure, the environment, and psychological impacts.
The Acting Regent of OKU, Teddy Meilwansyah, previously stated that this was the largest flood ever to occur in OKU. The flood affected 40 villages in 5 sub-districts, namely Baturaja Barat, Peninjauan, Baturaja Timur, Lubuk Batang, and Kedaton Peninjauan Raya.
A total of 1,695 houses were submerged under one-meter-high floodwaters after heavy rainfall. Many residents have been displaced.
“As a result of this flood, 4 suspension bridges have been declared severely damaged,” he added.
It was previously reported that the flood in OKU was caused by heavy rainfall in several areas with a considerable duration from Monday (6/5) at 7:30 PM to Tuesday (7/5) at 4:00 AM. This led to a significant increase in the water level of the Ogan River from its upstream, resulting in flooding.
A total of 1,695 houses were submerged, and 257 households were displaced. Several suspension bridges were also damaged. Four places of worship and agricultural land covering an area of ââ10 hectares were inundated.