List of Provinces in Indonesia Most Affected by Floods in 2024, Impact of Heavy Rainfall and Urbanization

Kapanlagi.com - Flooding has become one of the biggest challenges faced by Indonesia in 2024. Recent data shows that this disaster dominates the list of natural disasters with a continuously increasing frequency. High rainfall due to climate change, coupled with poor environmental management, exacerbates this situation.

Provinces such as North Sumatra, West Java, and Central Java have recorded very high flood incident rates, indicating the need for serious attention. This fact emphasizes the importance of strengthening disaster mitigation efforts and raising public awareness about the necessity of environmental preservation.

In a summary from Kapanlagi.com on Friday (10/1/2024), we will review the areas most affected by flooding, the contributing factors, and the mitigation measures that have been and need to be taken. Let us together understand this issue so that we can take appropriate action for a better future.

1. Rankings One to Three

The year 2024 marks North Sumatra as the province with the highest number of flood incidents in Indonesia, with a staggering total of 211 occurrences, caused by excessive rainfall and river sedimentation disrupting water flow.

In second place, West Java experienced 145 flood incidents, due to rapid urbanization and inadequate drainage management, especially in densely populated areas.

Meanwhile, Central Java, with 91 flood incidents, struggles against the overflow of major rivers such as the Bengawan Solo and the impact of deforestation that reduces the land's ability to absorb water. These three provinces face serious challenges in addressing the increasingly concerning flood issues.

2. Rankings Four to Six

Amidst the challenges of extreme weather, Riau, Aceh, and West Kalimantan are highlighted with flood problems threatening the lives of the community. Riau, ranking fourth, recorded 89 flood incidents due to high rainfall and damage to peatlands from the conversion of forests to plantations, worsening the vulnerable lowland conditions.

Meanwhile, Aceh is not far behind with 68 flood incidents often accompanied by landslides, caused by poor forest management and hilly topography.

West Kalimantan also feels similar impacts with 65 flood incidents, where deforestation and changes in river flow due to land conversion for agriculture worsen the situation. These three regions illustrate the importance of maintaining ecological balance to protect the future.

3. Rankings Seven to Ten

In the midst of unpredictable weather, West Nusa Tenggara struggles against floods, recording 59 flood incidents due to sudden heavy rainfall and environmental damage caused by development.

Meanwhile, South Sumatra faces a similar challenge with 55 flood incidents, where low drainage capacity in urban areas cannot accommodate the abundant rainfall, exacerbated by deforestation upstream.

In West Sumatra, hilly topography and high rainfall intensity have led to 52 flood incidents, with suboptimal forest management increasing disaster risk.

Not to be left out, Central Kalimantan experienced 50 flood incidents, where deforestation for agricultural land causes the soil to lose its water absorption capacity, compounded by heavy rainfall during the rainy season.

4. Necessary Mitigation Steps

In facing the increasingly severe threat of flooding, a comprehensive synergy between the government, the community, and the private sector is needed. Building infrastructure such as reservoirs and levees is just the first step; sustainable environmental management is also key.

Moreover, the government must actively educate the public about the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness and instilling a culture of disaster mitigation.

Cross-sector cooperation is vital to reduce flood risks in the future. Without concrete steps, Indonesia will continue to face significant challenges every rainy season.

5. What are the main causes of flooding in Indonesia?

Flooding in Indonesia is often caused by a combination of concerning factors, ranging from heavy rainfall, unwise land use changes, to environmental degradation due to irresponsible human actions.

6. Which province is most frequently hit by floods in 2024?

In 2024, North Sumatra recorded itself as the province with the highest incidence of floods, surpassing West Java and Central Java that followed behind.

7. How to prevent flooding in urban areas?

To prevent flooding in urban areas, synergy is needed between effective spatial planning, improvement of efficient drainage systems, and community education on the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness.

8. Does climate change affect the frequency of floods?

Climate change has now become one of the main causes of increased rainfall and weather anomalies, which directly increases the risk of flooding.

(kpl/srr)