Sidoarjo Floods Persist as Residents Face Severe Waterlogging
As the floodwaters continue to plague Sidoarjo, residents are bracing for another day of heavy rain, with several areas still underwater. Neighborhoods such as Pepelegi, Pondok Tjandra, Tambak Sumur, Wisma Tropodo, and Griyo Mapan are reported to be the hardest hit.
The water levels in these affected areas are rising rapidly, with Pondok Tjandra and Wisma Tropodo experiencing the most severe waterlogging, according to recent reports. Acting Bupati of Sidoarjo, Subandi, revealed this information during a live radio interview on Radio Suara Surabaya on Thursday afternoon.
Subandi acknowledged the grim situation, admitting that the high tide and heavy rainfall are the main culprits behind the devastation. However, he also highlighted the problem of illegal construction along the riverbanks that hinders the normalization process.
"The high tide has made it difficult for the water to flow out," explained Subandi, further detailing the challenges faced in managing the flood crisis.
In response to the ongoing disaster, the Sidoarjo Regency Government (Pemkab Sidoarjo) has taken several immediate steps to mitigate the situation. They have deployed portable pumps and are continuously working on river normalization.
Additionally, Subandi has emphasized the importance of removing illegal structures along the riverbanks to improve water flow. He also announced plans to build a large retention pond in Tambak Sawah, scheduled for completion in 2025.
"Our long-term solution is to build this large 20-hectare retention pond. While we wait for its completion, we will continue with the normalization process and remove illegal structures," said Subandi.
While the outlook remains grim due to the impending high tide, Subandi remains hopeful that the floodwaters will recede once the tide drops. (saf/ham)
