Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Flooding swept through multiple regions in Central Java, Indonesia, since Tuesday, January 21, resulting in major damage on the area. Affected areas include Demak, Grobogan, Sragen, Banjarnegara, Pekalongan, and Batang, where widespread damage has disrupted daily life.
Demak Floods
Three villages in Demak Regency, Central Java were reportedly hit by severe flooding after a levee on the Cabean River breached late Monday night, as reported by CNN Indonesia. The breach, spanning an estimated 10-15 meters, caused water to flood the villages of Tlogoweru, Bogosari, and Guntur, with water levels ranging from 50-60 centimeters.
According to official data from the Demak Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the floods have impacted over 1,000 homes, displacing 4,024 residents. Infrastructure damage includes one community hall, five schools, 15 places of worship, and 540 hectares of agricultural land. Additionally, 79 livestock businesses have been affected.
Grobogan Floods
In Grobogan Regency, Central Java, dozens of villages were submerged after the Tuntang River overflowed on Monday. The floods inundated homes, roads, and even railway tracks, severely disrupting transportation.
The disaster led to a collapse of train tracks in Gubug District, rendering the route impassable. According to Antara, State-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) announced the cancellation of six train services between Gubug and Karangjati stations and delays of up to two hours for 27 other routes.
Major roads, including Godong-Grobogan Road and Purwodadi-Semarang Road, were also flooded, causing widespread travel disruptions.
Sragen Floods
Floodwaters inundated six districts in Sragen Regency, Central Java on Monday, following the overflow of a tributary of the Bengawan Solo River. The affected areas include Sragen Kota, Sidoharjo, Tanon, Sukodono, Sambungmacan, Ngrampal, and Jenar, with water levels reaching up to 150 centimeters in some locations, according to report by Antara.
By Wednesday morning (January 22), officials reported that the floodwaters had receded, and conditions had returned to normal. However, Triyono Putro, head of the Sragen BPBD, urged residents to remain alert for the possibility of future flooding.
Banjarnegara Floods and Landslides
Heavy rainfall from Monday evening into the night caused floods and landslides across several villages in Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java. BPBD Banjarnegara recorded six landslide sites and four flood-affected locations in the districts of Batur, Wanayasa, Kalibening, and Pagedongan.
Landslides also blocked provincial roads leading to Pekalongan, hampering transportation. According to Raib Saefudin, Sub-Coordinator of Emergency and Logistics at BPBD Banjarnegara, efforts are underway to clear debris and restore road access.
Pekalongan Floods
Severe Flooding hit nine districts in Pekalongan Regency, Central Java, including Petungkriyono, Doro, Lebakbarang, Talun, Karanganyar, Kedungwuni, Wonopringgo, Wiradesa, and Tirto.
“Two people sustained minor injuries, and 145 residents were forced to evacuate. Shelter points include As-Syafaah Mosque, housing 75 evacuees, and Baitul Makmur Mosque, accommodating 70 people,” said Abdul Muhari, Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency’s (BNPB) Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, in a statement on Tuesday (January 21) as reported by CNN Indonesia.
The floods caused significant damage, including 25 homes destroyed, three roads submerged, three bridges collapsed, and a breached levee in Tirto District. In addition to the flooding, landslides in Pekalongan claimed 17 lives. All bodies have been recovered, but nine people remain missing, according to Muhari.
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Batang Floods
The Batang Regency, Cntral Java, faced flooding which severely damaged six bridges and affected 10 villages across districts such as Bawang, Reban, Subah, Tersono, Warungasem, Gringsing, Bandar, Blado, Batang, and Wonotunggal. The floods reportedly causing major damage on six bridges, cutting off roads.
“Latest data from Tuesday night (January 21) at 10:49 p.m. local time showed that six connecting infrastructure facilities were cut off. Floodwaters, however, have receded,” said Muhari in a statement on Wednesday, January 22, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
The floods also reportedly swept away two residents, which were able to be rescued and are now receiving medical treatment. Additional damages include one tourist site, a hydroelectric power plant, and a road segment rendered unusable.
Central Java’s Widespread Disasters
Throughout the fourth week of January, Central Java has been hit by hydrometeorological disasters, including floodings and landslides, affecting multiple regions such as Pekalongan, Kendal, Brebes, Grobogan, Pemalang, Demak, Sragen, Tegal, and the city of Surakarta.
As extreme weather, including moderate to heavy rainfall, is expected to persist for the next days, the BNPB has urged local governments and residents to remain vigilant and prepared to mitigate, prevent, and respond to potential disaster impacts.
(Raidi/Agung)
