Inp.polri.go.id - Pangkalpinang. The Bangka Belitung Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) has issued a warning on Sunday (7/12/2025) urging residents in flood-hit areas to stay alert for crocodiles entering residential zones as rising waters disrupt natural habitats. 

“We urge residents to stay vigilant and immediately report any crocodile or snake sightings, because this is dangerous,” BPBD Bangka Belitung HeadBudi Utama said, explaining that the number of sightings has sharply increased..

Heavy rainfall since Thursday has inundated multiple areas in Pangkalpinang, pushing wildlife from rivers, mining pits, and drainage channels into nearby neighborhoods. Authorities have received numerous reports of crocodiles moving closer to homes, raising concern for children still playing in flooded areas, according to antaranws.com.

Officials believe habitat damage has reduced food sources, prompting starving crocodiles to enter residential zones in search of prey. BPBD Bangk Belitung has called on parents to restrict children from entering floodwaters and to immediately alert emergency services if wildlife is spotted.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)