Heavy Rains Trigger Flooding in Sidoarjo; Waru and Taman Hardest Hit
Sidoarjo, Indonesia – The torrential rains that lashed Sidoarjo on Tuesday (24/12/2024) left several areas inundated, with Waru and Taman being the worst affected, as reported by the acting Bupati of Sidoarjo, Subandi, on Radio Suara Surabaya on Wednesday (25/12/2024).
Subandi attributed the floods primarily to the heavy rainfall and, to some extent, the phenomenon of rob (high tidal waves) that exacerbated the situation in certain areas. The Kali Buntung river overflowed during the downpour, inundating residential areas. Subandi also highlighted the presence of illegal structures ( Bangunan Liar – Bangli) along the riverbanks as contributing factors.
"In the stretch of Kali Buntung, from Taman to the end of Waru, there are many illegal structures on both sides of the river," Subandi revealed. He further mentioned that steps are being taken to demolish these structures by 2025 to make way for heavy machinery.
The Sidoarjo Regency Government (Pemkab) has been working tirelessly since Tuesday evening to combat the floods. They have deployed portable pumps to drain out the accumulated water. Subandi reported that most affected areas, except for Tropodo, Berbek, and Jalan Brigjen Katamso, have seen a significant reduction in flooding.
Subandi, who was elected as the Bupati in the recent local elections, has been personally monitoring flood-prone areas since Tuesday night. He also highlighted obstacles in Kali Cantel and Kali Deltasari rivers, caused by water hyacinth and illegal landfill, which they plan to clear soon to facilitate smoother water flow.
