JAKARTA — Indonesia's government has declared a state of emergency in parts of the flood-hit southern region, where heavy rainfall has displaced tens of thousands of residents and damaged homes and infrastructure, officials said on Tuesday.
The declaration covers areas in South Sumatra province affected by flooding that began earlier this month, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). In Musi Rawas Utara Regency, flooding triggered by moderate to heavy rainfall on May 7 inundated multiple districts, BNPB reported.
As of May 10, authorities said one person had died and approximately 14,200 households, or about 54,300 people, were affected. Around 14,200 houses sustained damage, with dozens heavily or moderately impacted, along with bridges, health facilities, schools and agricultural land, BNPB data showed.
The regent of Musi Rawas Utara declared an Emergency Response Status for Hydrometeorological Disaster from May 7 to May 20, enabling coordinated relief efforts. The national government has mobilized support through BNPB and other agencies to assist local authorities.
"Urgent needs include fiberglass boats, boat engines, folding beds, life jackets, blankets, ready-to-eat food, clothing, bridge repairs, and reconstruction of damaged houses," a BNPB statement said.
Flooding has hit several districts including Karang Jaya, Rupit, Karang Dapo and Rawas Ilir. Water levels have begun to recede in some areas, but others remain inundated, with road access partially restored in places, officials reported. Joint teams are conducting evacuations, debris clearance and ongoing monitoring.
This latest flooding follows a pattern of hydrometeorological events across Indonesia in recent months, including incidents in Jambi province earlier in May that affected thousands and resulted in casualties.
Local and national agencies are providing logistical support, including food, clean water and medical supplies. Details on the total number of people evacuated or the full extent of infrastructure damage remain under assessment.
The Ministry of Public Works and Housing and other relevant bodies are involved in damage evaluations and planning for recovery. No further information was immediately available on potential international assistance or long-term mitigation measures.
As of Tuesday, emergency response operations continue in the affected southern region, with authorities urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant amid forecasts of additional rainfall.
