21,197 People Displaced Due to Widespread Flooding After River Embankment Collapses in Demak Regency, Central Java

Heavy rainfall with high intensity has caused flooding in Demak Regency, Central Java (5/2). Apart from inundating residential areas, the flood has also damaged a significant portion of infrastructure in the area.

Prolonged heavy rainfall has led to an increase in water discharge and the overflow of river streams in Demak Regency. This condition has resulted in several breaches in water embankments, and the flooding that submerged residential areas could not be avoided.

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Demak Regency has recorded that 38 villages in 7 districts are affected by the flood. A total of 19,998 households or 75,667 individuals are affected by the flood.

“28,037 individuals are displaced,” said the Head of the Demak BPBD, M Agus Nugroho, in his official statement on Saturday (10/2/2024) at 19.00 WIB.

“1,012 hectares of rice fields, 38 places of worship, and 6 educational facilities are submerged,” he added.

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Demak Regency has issued a statement urging displaced residents to remain vigilant against the possibility of subsequent floods and to follow the instructions of disaster management authorities for safety reasons. During the evacuation process, the BPBD continues to ensure that affected residents receive assistance despite facing challenges such as strong water currents.

Human Initiative, as a humanitarian organization, has coordinated with local volunteers to assess the needs of the victims, distribute ready-to-eat meals, evacuate residents, and establish water kitchens.

However, at present, residents have urgent needs for:

● Public Kitchen
● Sacks
● Mats & blankets
● Heavy Equipment
● Baby & adult diapers
● Portable Toilets
● Baby foods
● Undergarments
● MPrepare melas
● Bamboo
● Medications
● Sanitary pads
● Wearable clothing
● Drinking water
● Hygiene kit
● LMoquito repellent lotions

Because the needs of residents are still not adequately met, we invite you to help flood-affected residents by donating at www.solusipeduli.org. Whatever amount of donation you provide will be greatly beneficial to those affected by the disaster.