Big Flood Hits Aceh, Tens of Thousands People Evacuated

VIVA – Big flood hits Aceh have spread to several areas. Until now, approximately 19,000 people have been dislocated. The areas affected by the floods are Pidie, Pidie Jaya, East Aceh, Aceh Tamiang, North Aceh, and Bireuen.

Information obtained from the Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBA); the worst flooding occurred in Bireuen Regency. There were 13 sub-districts inundated, leaving 7,106 residents displaced because their homes were flooded.

Meanwhile, in Pidie Regency, 21 sub-districts were affected by flooding with 3,696 people dislocated. Then in North Aceh, especially in the Langkahan area, the water level even reached the roofs of residents' houses or around 3.5 meters.

The flood was caused by the high intensity of rain that hit the eastern coastal region of Aceh and made several rivers in the area overflowed and inundated residential areas.

"High-intensity rain that flushed several Acehnese areas, causing floods that inundated residents' homes with water levels varying up to 3.5 meters," said the head of BPBA, Ilyas on Monday, January 23, 2023.

Meanwhile, in Pidie Regency, flooding occurred due to the discharge of water in the Krueng Tiro, Kruang Paloh, Krueng Lala, Krueng Rubee, and Rukoh rivers overflowing into residential areas and submerging residents' agricultural land.

Until now, the local BPBD is still collecting data regarding the number of evacuees which is predicted to increase because it is still raining heavily in several areas.