In Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia, a flood has hit the Meteseh sub-district due to a 20-meter-long break in the Kali Tunggal dam. The flood caused the river’s water to enter residents’ homes. According to CNN Indonesia, the water level on Jalan Perumahan Dahlia RT 8 RW 9 reached about 1.5 meters, or roughly the height of an adult’s waist. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 11, with the power supply to the housing estate also shut off around 20:59 WIB as residents were evacuating. Some residents were seen cleaning their homes of mud left behind by the flood, with furniture like mattresses, sofas, and wardrobes visibly damaged. One resident named Yuni, 50, said that the water had not yet receded from her home by 21:30 WIB. Additionally, Azizah, 30, and her two children wereforced to evacuate, describing this flood as the worst she had experienced, worse than the one from the previous year. The break in the dam occurred at around 18:00 WIB. Authorities including disaster management officials, search and rescue teams, and volunteers from the Indonesian Red Cross were present at the scene, ready to assist and evacuate affected residents using rubber boats.
Headline: Devastating Floods in Meteseh, Semarang: Houses Submerged, Families Displaced
Subheading: Tanggul Kali Jebol (Flood Levee Breach) Leaves Residents Scrambling for Safety
Article:
SEMARANG, Indonesia — The usually bustling neighborhood of Meteseh in Semarang, Central Java’s capital, has been reduced to a vast expanse of water, as catastrophic floods have submerged homes and displaced hundreds of families. The flooding, which began on January 1, 2023, was triggered by the abrupt breach of a flood defense structure, locally known as ‘Tanggul Kali.’
Breach of Tanggul Kali
The Tanggul Kali, designed to protect low-lying areas from riverine flooding, suddenly gave way due to the immense pressure from surging waters of the Code River. The breach allowed an overwhelming deluge of water to pour into Meteseh, catching residents off guard and leaving them with little time to evacuate.
Banjir Rendam Rumah Warga (Submerged Homes)
Videos and images circulating on social media reveal the grim reality: houses half-submerged in murky, swirling water, with residents standing on rooftops, waiting for rescue. The waist-deep floodwaters displaced at least 1,500 families, forcing them to take shelter in nearby schools, mosques, and relief centers.
Rendam (Submerged) but Not Deterred
Among the affected is 55-year-old Rohimah, a mother of four. Her home was completely submerged, leaving her and her family with nothing but the clothes on their backs. "We managed to evacuate just in time," she said, her voice heavy with relief and worry. "I’ve lost everything, but I’m grateful we’re safe."
Local Response and Aid
Authorities have swiftly responded to the crisis, dispatching military and police personnel to assist with evacuations, rescue efforts, and the distribution of relief supplies. Food, clothes, and clean water are being distributed among the affected families.
Prevention and Preparedness
While relief and rescue operations continue, the breached Tanggul Kali is being reconstructed to prevent further flooding. Authorities are also calling for improved infrastructure, better town planning, and enhanced climate resilience to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future.
The people of Meteseh, resilient and determined, look towards a cleansing, rebuilding process, hoping to return to their homes and restart their lives soon.
Keywords: Flooding, Semarang, Meteseh, Tanggul Kali, Flood Defense, Displaced Families, Rescue Efforts, Climate Resilience.
