Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The death toll from floods and landslide disasters in Sukabumi Regency, West Java, continues to rise, with 10 fatalities confirmed and two individuals still missing as of Monday, December 9. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing amid unstable weather conditions, officials report.
Deden Sumpena, head of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) for Sukabumi Regency, stated that teams are working tirelessly to locate the missing and provide aid to affected residents.
“We are focused on locating the missing victims and delivering assistance to those impacted. Joint teams from BPBD, the military (TNI), police, and volunteers have been deployed to the disaster-hit areas,” Sumpena said, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
The extreme weather, marked by heavy to torrential rainfall and strong winds, has affected parts of Sukabumi since Tuesday, December 3. According to data from BPBD, as of Saturday, December 7, 2024, at least 328 disasters points were recorded across 172 villages in 39 sub-districts in Sukabumi Regency.
Deden Sumpena explained that the types of disasters in Sukabumi Regency varied widely across the affected areas, with landslides, floods, strong winds, and soil movement being the most destructive.
Widespread Destruction and Displacement
Medi Abdul Hakim, BPBD’s emergency and logistics official, said thousands of residents were forced to evacuate due to severe property damage, isolation, or the risk of further disasters.
As of Sunday night, December 8, BPBD reported that the number of evacuees affected by hydrometeorological disasters i Sukabumi Regency had reached 919 families, or approximately 3.023 people, according to CNN Indonesia.
BPBD further noted that a total of 8.477 residents have been impacted, with an additional 755 individuals at risk. Property damage across 38 sub-districts includes 1.410 homes severely damaged, 1.011 homes moderately damaged, 777 homes with minor damage, 423 homes at risk of collapse, and 1.040 homes flooded
Ongoing Evacuation and Aid Distribution
Emergency teams are currently prioritizing the search for victims, restoring road access, and distributing essential supplies. Reporting from DetikJabar, Daeng Sutisna, head of BPBD’s Operations Control Center, emphasized the immediate need for ready-to-eat food, basic supplies, clean water, and medicine.
The primary needs for isolated residents include ready-to-eat meals and basic food supplies, according to Daeng Sutisna. In addition to these essentials, he emphasized the importance of providing clean drinking water and medicines.
Sutisna also highlighted the urgent need for basic supplies such as blankets, sleeping mats, and dry clothing, especially as unpredictable post-disaster weather increases health risks for evacuees. “We must safeguard their health to prevent illnesses that could worsen conditions in the aftermath of the disaster,” Sutisna stated.
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Special attention is being given to infants and the elderly, with baby supplies, diapers, and infant formula prioritized for delivery.
While access to isolated areas remains challenging, relief distribution has improved. Aid distribution to evacuation centers has now become more evenly spread, as access to previously isolated locations has gradually improved.
Although many areas remain challenging to reach, relief supplies are being delivered using motorcycles or on foot. Emergency personnel continue to work diligently, ensuring that the emergency response phase proceeds swiftly and effectively.
(Raidi/Agung)
